
Class HE&3&3 
Book__Jl*2 



LAWS OF CONGRESS 



GOVERNING THE 



POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT 



AND THE 



POSTAL SERVICE 



COMPILED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF 

R. P. GOODWIN 

Assistant Attorney-General for the Post-Office Department 



Published by direction of 
The Joint Commission of Congress 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1907 



LAWS OF CONGRESS 



GOVERNING THE 



POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT 



AND THE 



POSTAL SERVICE 



COMPILED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF 

R. P. GOODWIN 

Assistant Attorney-General for the Post-Office Department 



Published by direction of 
The Joint Commission of Congress 



WASHINGTON 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1907 



^A 



X \^V 



Joint Commission of Congress 
On Business Methods of Post-Office Department and Postal Service. 



BOIES PENROSE, Pennsylvania, Chairman. 
JESSE OVERSTREET, Indiana, Vice- Chairman. 
THOMAS S. CARTER, Montana. 
ALEXANDER S. CLAY, Georgia. 
JOHN J. GARDNER, New Jeesey. 
JOHN A. MOON, Tennessee. 

WESLEY R. ANDREWS, Pennsylvania, Secretary. 
EDWIN L. WILLIAMS, Indiana, Assistant Secretary. 









The Congress shall have power * * * to establish post- Tost-offices 
a. , . , and post-roads. 

offices and post-roads. 

Constitution, art. 1. § 8. 

If any informer or plaintiff on a penal statute, to whom the Liability o f 

,, ,, „ .~ , . ,. .* , , informer in ac- 

penalty or any part thereof, if recovered, is directed to accrue, tion on penal 

discontinues his suit or prosecution, or is nonsuited therein, or if !l a fo r te c sts on 

upon trial judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant, the failure of suit, 

etc except 
court shall award to the defendant his costs, unless such informer r. g. § 975. 

or plaintiff is an officer of the United States specially authorized 
to commence such prosecution, and the court, at the trial in open 
court, certifies upon the record that there was reasonable cause 
for commencing the same ; in which case no costs shall be ad- 
judged to the defendant. 
Approved May 8, 1792. 

If any informer on a penal statute, to whom the penalty or Liability of 
any part thereof, if recovered, is directed to accrue, discontinues ^o^^n* penai 

his suit or prosecution, or is nonsuited therein, or if upon trial statute. 

• — for fees of 

judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant, such informer officers on fail- 
shall be alone liable to the clerk, marshal, and attorney for the J^ t of suit ' ex " 
fees of such prosecution, unless he is an officer of the United R. S., § 976. 
States w T hose duty it is to commence such prosecution, and the 
court certifies that there was reasonable cause for commencing 
the same; in which'case the United States shall be responsible for 
such fees. 
Approved February 28, 1799. 

* * * All postmasters and persons employed in the transpor- Postmasters 
tation of the mail (and) all ferrymen employed at any ferry on tber employ- 
post-roads * * * shall be exempted from militia duty. flfom* militia 

Approved April 30, 1810. duty. 

R. S., § 1629. 

All claims and demands whatever by the United States or against Settlement of 
them, and all accounts whatever in which the United States are j>. g. } § 236. 
concerned, either as debtors or creditors, shall be settled and a d" th£ y U n¥te S d 
justed in the Department of the Treasury. States. 

Approved March 3, 1817. Spartoent! 1 ^ 

No advance of public money shall be made in any case what- Payments not 
ever. And in all cases of contracts for the performance of any advanced 6 m 
service, or the delivery of articles of any description, for the R - s -' § 3648. 
use of the United States, payment shall not exceed the value of — nor to exceed 
the service rendered, or of the articles delivered previously to such cies^etc. &1 *" 
payment. It shall, however, be lawful, under the special direc- 
tion of the President, to make such advances to the disbursing Advances may 
officers of the Government as may be necessary to the faithful Cursing offi- 
and prompt discharge of their respective duties, and to the fulfill- cers ' when, 
ment of the public engagements. * * * 

Approved January 31, 1823. 

(3) 



Officers, etc., No money shall be paid to any person for his compensation who 

in R L s ea ri766 is in alTears to the United States, until he has accounted for and 

' paid into the Treasury all sums for which he may be liable. In 

— no salary to. all cases where the pay or salary of any person is withheld in 

pursuance of this section, the accounting officers of the Treasury, 

if required to do so by the party, his agent or attorney, shall 

, report forthwith to the Solicitor of the Treasury the balance due ; 

— suit upon and the Solicitor shall, within sixty days thereafter, order suit to 

be commenced against such delinquent and his sureties. 

Approved May 20, 1836. 

Returns o f Every marshal to whom any execution upon a judgment in anv 

ditor of pro- suit for moneys due on account of the Post-Office Department has 

ecutions. ° n 6X been directed, shall make returns to the Sixth Auditor, at such 

R. S.. § 792. times as he may direct, of the proceedings which have taken place 

upon the said process of execution. 

Approved July 2, 1836. 

When claims No claim for a credit shall be allowed upon the trial of anv suit 
to be allowed 
in suits. for delinquency against a postmaster, contractor, or other officer, 

R S § 959 

w ' agent, or employee of the Post-Office Department, unless the same 
has been presented to the Sixth Auditor, and by him disallowed, in 
whole or in part, or unless it is proved to the satisfaction of the 
court that the defendant is, at the time of trial, in possession of 
vouchers not before in his power to procure, and that he was pre- 
vented from exhibiting. to the said Auditor a claim for such credit 
by some unavoidable accident. 
Approved July 2, 1836. 

Judgment in I 11 suits arising under the postal laws the court shall proceed to 
postal suits trial, and render judgment at the return term ; but whenever serv- 

rv. >5., § »Oo. 

rendered at ice of process is not made at least twenty days before the return 

except * e * m ' day of such term, the defendant is entitled to one continuance, if, 

Continu- on his statement, the court deems it expedient ; and if he makes 

ances - affidavit that he has a claim against the Post-Office Department, 

— w here de- which has been submitted to and disallowed by the Sixth Auditor, 

f c e iaim nt against specifying such claim in his affidavit, and that he could not be pre- 

Post-Office pared for trial at such term for want of evidence, the court, if 
Department. J 

satisfied thereof, may grant a continuance until the next term. 

Approved July 2, 1836. 

Interest on In all suits for balances due fo the Post-Office Department, inter- 
balances. ^ est thereon shall be recovered, from the time of the default, at the 
—rate of. rate of six per centum a year. 

Approved July 2, 1836. 

Accessory to Every accessory after the fact to the offense of stealing or tak- 
matterf m&l1 in £ any letter, or other mail matter, or any inclosure therein, shall 

R. S., § 5535. b e fined not more than one thousand dollars, and be imprisoned 
-^punishment n()t more than fiye yearg 

Approved July 2, 1836. 

Preliminary For any crime or offense against the United States, the offender 

R. S., § & 1014. may, by any justice or judge of the United States, or by any corn- 

whom e f ° r e missioner of a circuit court to take bail, or by any chancellor, 



judge of a supreme or superior court, chief or first judge of com- 
mon pleas, mayor of a city, justice of the peace, or other magis- 
trate, of any State where he may he found, and agreeably to the 
usual mode of process against offenders in such State, and at the 
expense of the United States, be arrested and imprisoned, or 
bailed, as the case may be, for trial before such court of the 
United States as by law has cognizance of the offense. Copies of 
the process shall be returned as speedily as may be into the clerk's 
office of such court, together with the recognizances of the wit- 
nesses for their appearance to testify in the case. And where any Removals, 
offender or witness is committed in any district other than that 
where the offense is to be tried, it shall be the duty of the judge 
of the district where such offender or witness is imprisoned, sea- 
sonably to issue, and of the marshal to execute, a warrant for his 
removal to the district where the trial is to be had. 
Approved August 22, 1842. 

No officer in any branch of the public service, or any other per- Extra corn- 
son whose salary, pay, or emoluments are fixed by law or regu- Kfen!° n f ° r " 

lations, shall receive any additional pay, extra allowance, or com- —for disburse- 

ments and ex- 
pensation, in any form whatever, for the disbursement of public tra services. 

money, or for any other service or duty whatever, unless the same __ U niess! 
is authorized by law, and the appropriation therefor explicitly 
states that it is for such additional pay, extra allowance, or com- 
pensation. 

Approved August 23, 1842. 

The head of each Department shall make an annual report to Report of 
Congress, giving a detailed statement of the manner in which f U ^ J ingen 
the contingent fund for his Department, and for the bureaus and I 1 - s *^§ ^_ 9 |- 
offices therein, has been expended, giving the names of every per- June 20, ch! 
son to whom any portion thereof has been paid ; and if for any- 96. ' 
thing furnished, the quantity and price; and if for any service ^eiSromto^e 
rendered, the nature of such service, and the time employed, and given in detail, 
the particular occasion or cause, in brief, that rendered such serv- 
ice necessary ; and the amount of all former appropriations in Former a p - 
each case on hand, either in the Treasury or in the hands of any P r °P natlons - 

disbursing officer or agent. And he shall require of the disburs- Disbursing 

officers to re* 
ing officers, acting under his direction and authority, the return tul . n state- 

of precise and analytical statements and receipts for all the ment ! . of ^ext 
^ J L preceding year. 

moneys which may have been from time to time during the next 
preceding year expended by them, and shall communicate the 
results of such returns and the sums total, annually, to Congress. 
Approved August 26, 1842. 

No allowance or compensation shall be made to any officer or Extra com- 

clerk, by reason of the discharge of duties which belong to any — as^actingoffi- 

other officer or clerk in the same or any other Department ; and cei " g 01 ^!?^" 

no allowance or compensation shall be made for any extra services — f or'extra 
,, ,., ,~ ,, . •-,. j, services forbid- 

whatever, which any officer or clerk may be required to perform, den, unless. 

unless expressly authorized by law. 

Approved August 26, 1842. 

The heads of Departments, in communicating estimates of ex- Manner o f 
penditures and appropriations to Congress, or to any of the com- fng^stimates! 
mittees thereof, shall specify, as nearly as may be convenient, R - s -» § 366 °- 



the sources from which such estimates are derived and the cal- 
culations upon which they are founded, and shall discriminate 
between such estimates as are conjectural in their character 
and such as are framed upon actual information and applications 
from disbursing officers. They shall also give references to any 
law or treaty by which the proposed expenditures are, respec- 
tively, authorized, specifying the date of each and the volume 
and page of the Statutes at Large, or of the Revised Statutes, 
as the case may be, and the section of the act in which the 
authority is to be found. 
Approved August 26, 1842. 

Contingent No part of the contingent fund appropriated to any Department, 

—written o r - Bureau, or office shall be applied to the purchase of any articles 

der for expend- except such as the head of the Department shall deem necessary 
itures from. L 

R. s., § 3683. and proper to carry on the business of the Department, Bureau, 

or office, and shall, by written order, direct to be procured. 

Approved August 26, 1842. 

Jurisdiction, The district courts (of the United States) shall have juris- 
?5S£ d unte action as follows: 
postal laws. Seventh. Of all causes of action arising under the postal laws 

R. S., § 563. ■ TT .. ■ 

of the United States. 

Approved March 3, 1845. 

Jurisdiction, The circuit courts (of the United States) shall have original 
—suits °unde? jurisdiction as follows : * * * 

postal ^Iq Fourth. * * * of all causes arising under the postal laws. 
' ' Approved March 3, 1845. 

Keeping o f Every depositary shall keep his account of the money paid 
pos?taries by de to or deposited with him belonging to the Post-Office 'Department 
R. s., § 3642. separate and distinct from the account kept by him of other public 
moneys so paid or deposited. 
Approved August 6, 1846. 

Depositaries * * * Each depositary * * * shall make returns to the 

to tn <\ lc p p'p- 

turns o f d e - * * * Post-Office Department of all moneys received and paid 
ments and P&y ~ ^ v Dmi ' a ^ sucn times and in such forms as shall be directed by 

R. S., § 3644. the * * * Postmaster-General. 
— Postmaster- . , . , n _„.„ 

General to pre- Approved August 6, 1846. 
scribe time and 
form. 

Loaning, us- Every officer or other person charged by any act of Congress 

thorized de- with the safe-keeping of the public moneys, who fails to safely 

money? public keep the same, without loaning, using, converting to his own use, 

R. S., § 5490. depositing in banks, or exchanging for other funds than as spe- 
— penalty. 

cially allowed by law, shall be guilty of embezzlement of the 

money so loaned, used, converted, deposited, or exchanged ; and 

shall be imprisoned not less than six months nor more than ten 

years, and fined in a sum equal to the amount of money so 

embezzled. 

Approved August 6, 1846. 



No person "who holds an office, the salary or annual compensation Double sal- 
attached to which amounts to the sum of two thousand five hun- ai R S 's., § 1763. 
dred dollars, shall receive compensation for discharging the duties 
of any other office, unless expressly authorized by law. 

Approved August 31, 1852. 

Every officer of the United States, or person holding any place Officers, etc., 

acting as agent 
of trust or profit, or discharging any official function under, or in for, or assist- 

connection with, any Executive Department of the Government of JJ f s prosecution 

the United States, or under the Senate or House of Representa- of claims. 

tives of the United States, who acts as an agent or attorney for 

prosecuting any claim against the United States, or in any manner 

or by any means, otherwise than in discharge of his proper official 

duties, aids or assists in the prosecution or support of any such 

claim, or receives any gratuity, or any share of or interest in any 

claim from any claimant against the United States, with intent to 

aid or assist, or in consideration of having aided or assisted, in the 

prosecution of such claim, shall pay a fine of not more than five — penalty. 

thousand dollars, or suffer imprisonment not more than one year, 

or both. 

Approved February 26, 1853. 

The clerks in the Departments shall be arranged in four classes, _ Class iflca- 
distinguished as the first, second, third, and fourth classes. R Sj § 253/ 

Approved March 3, 1853. 

Each head of~a Department may from time to time alter the Clerks, dis- 
distribution among the various Bureaus and offices of his Depart- mayYIfaltered! 
ment of the clerks allowed by law, as he may find it necessary R- S., § 166. 
and proper to do. 

Approved March 3, 1853. 

Every officer charged w r ith the payment of any of the appropria- False vouch- 
tions made by any act of Congress, who pays to any clerk, or other ceipts. 
employee of the United States, a sum less than that provided by R- S- ' § 5483- 
law, and requires such employee to receipt or give a voucher for 
an amount greater than that actually paid to and received by him, 

is guilty of embezzlement, and shall be fined in double the amount — pe^ty for 
J filing, in case 

so withheld from any employee of the Government, and shall be of smaller pay- 
imprisoned at hard labor .for the term of two years. giv^n. S an 
Approved March 3, 1853. 

In all cases in which, under the laws of the United States, Oaths, be- 
oaths or acknowledgments may now be taken or made before any taken, 
justice of the peace of any State or Territory, or in the District of R - s -> § 1778 - 
Columbia, they may hereafter be also taken or made by or before 
any notary public duly appointed in any State, District, or Terri- 
tory, or any of the commissioners of the circuit courts, and, when 
certified under the hand and official seal of such notary or com- 
missioner, shall have the same force and effect as if taken or made 
by or before such justice of the peace. 

Approved July 29, 1854. 



8 

Bonds given Whenever it becomes necessary for the head of any Department 
officers? uisms or office to employ special agents, other than officers of the Army 
R. S., § 3614. or Navy, who may be charged with the disbursements of public 
moneys, such agents shall, before entering upon duty, give bond 
in such form and with such security as the head of the Depart- 
ment or office employing them may approve. 
Approved August 4, 1854. 

Estimates All estimates for the compensation of officers authorized by law 
for compensa- , . • , • „ , „ , , ,_ . . „ 

tion, authority, to be employed shall be founded upon the express provisions of 

R. S., § 3662. j aw an(i not U p 0n the authority of executive distribution. 
Approved March 3, 1855. 

Estimates Whenever the head of a Department, being about to submit to 
etc., explana- Congress the annual estimates of expenditures required for the 
tions required, coming year, -finds that the usual items of such estimates vary 

It. o., § ouo4. 

materially in amount from the appropriation ordinarily asked for 
the object named, and especially from the appropriation granted 
for the same objects for the preceding year, and whenever new 
items not theretofore usual are introduced into such estimates for 
any year, he shall accompany the estimates by minute and full 
explanations of all such variations and new items, showing the 
reasons and grounds upon which the amounts are required and 
the different items added. 
Approved March 3, 1855. 

Failure to de- Every person who, having moneys of the United States in his 

propel* dep^si- hands or possession, fails to make deposit of the same with the 

ta ^'c c r^o Treasurer, or some assistant treasurer, or some public depositary 
k. is., § 04yz. 

of the United States, when required so to do by the Secretary of 

the Treasury, or the head of any other proper Department, or by 

— penalty. the accounting officers of the Treasury, shall be deemed guilty 

of embezzlement thereof, and shall be imprisoned not less than 

six months nor more than ten years, and fined in a sum equal to 

the amount of money embezzled. ( See R. S. § 4053. ) 

Approved March 3, 1857. 

Appro pri.a- The head of each Department, in submitting to Congress his 

\ng S am S oui?t estimate s of expenditures required in his Department during the 

of, to be des- year then approaching, shall designate not only the amount re- 

R. S., § 3665. quired to be appropriated for the next fiscal year, but also the 

amount of the outstanding appropriation, if there be any, which 

will probably be required for each particular item of expenditure. 

Approved June 2, 1858. 



Contracts No contract or purchase on behalf of the United States shall 
unless Author- De ma ^e unless the same is authorized by law or is under an 
iZ< R s y § a 3732 a PP r °P ria tion adequate to its fulfillment, * * * 
Approved March 2, 1861. 

Who may The oath of office required by either of the two preceding sec- 

oVth miniSter tions (R. S. §§ 175G and 1757) * * * (see act of May 13, 

R ei s ra § 1 l758 ^84) may be taken before any officer who is authorized either 



by the kiws of the United States or by the local municipal law 
to administer oaths in the State, Territory, or District where 
such oath may be administered. 
Approved August 0, 1861. 

The grants aforesaid (to aid in the construction of a railroad Rates of 
to v compensation 

and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific for mail trans- 
Ocean) are made upon the condition that said company shall pacific 01 }- a i°l° 

* * * transport mails * * * upon said railroad for the ro j_gg 2 j u i v 
Government, whenever required to do so by any Department 1, en. 120, 12 
thereof, and that the Government shall at all times have the pref- — 'how deter- 
ereuce in the use of the same for all the purposes aforesaid (at mined - 

fair and reasonable rates of compensation, not to exceed the 
amounts paid by private parties for the same kind of service). 

* * * 

Approved July 1, 1862. 

One copy of (each of the annual reports required by law to be ce rtain°ag S r i' 
made to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agri- cultural col- 
culture, by such colleges as are or may hereafter be established fe i862, July 
for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts in the several §' f^' St. L, 
States and Territories under the provisions of the act of July 2, 50 ?g qo a 
1862, entitled "An act donating public lands to the several States 30, eh.' 841, § 
and Territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of 799 upp *' 
agriculture and the mechanic arts," and the acts amendatory See 18 6 6, 

thereof) * * * shall be transmitted bv mail free, by each, to 209, 14~ St. L.j 

208 
all the other colleges which may be endowed under the provisions fVee when 

of this act (of July 2, 1862), and also one copy to the Secretary ^^"suc^coU 

of the Interior (and the Secretary of Agriculture). leges, etc. 

Approved July 2, 1862. 

No contract or order, or any interest therein, shall be trans- Contracts 

not assignable. 
f erred by the party to whom such contract or order is given to r. s., § 3737. 

any other party, and any such transfer shall cause the annul- ^ises^annul- 

ment of the contract or order transferred, so far as the United ment. 

States are concerned. All rights of action, however, for any -—right of ac- 

breach of such contract by the contracting parties, are reserved n ieseive ■ 

to the United States. 

Approved July 17, 1862. 

Every member of Congress or any officer or agent of the Procuring 
& - ° office or con- 

Government who, directly or indirectly, takes, receives, or agrees tract for con- 
to receive, any money, property, or other valuable consideration sld R*' s*)°§ n i78l. 

whatever, from any person for procuring, or aiding to procure, Making com- 

1 L & & l pensation t o 

any contract, office, or place, from the Government or any depart- officer for con- 

ment thereof, or from any officer of the United States, for any *g ct or office ' 
person whatever, or for giving any such contract, otfice, or place 
to any person whomsoever, and every person who, directly or 
indirectly, offers or agrees to give, or gives, or bestows any money, 
property, or other valuable consideration whatever, for the pro- 
curing or aiding to procure any such contract, office, or place, 
and every member of Congress who, directly or indirectly, takes, 
receives, or agrees to receive any' money, property, or other 
valuable consideration whatever after his election as such member, 



10 



-penalty. 



for his attention to, services, action, vote, or decision on any ques- 
tion, matter, cause, or proceeding which may then be pending, or 
may by law or under the Constitution be brought before him in 
his official capacity, or in his place as such member of Congress, 
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be imprisoned 
not more than two years and fined not more than ten thousand 
dollars. And any such contract or agreement may, at the option 



Contracts un- 
cured may P be of the President, be declared absolutely null and void ; and any 
annulled, etc. me mber of Congress or officer convicted of a violation of this sec- 
tion, shall, moreover, be disqualified from holding any office of 
honor, profit, or trust under the Government of the United States. 
Approved February 25, 1863. 



Exchange of 
funds in hands 
o f disbursing 
agents. 

R. S., § 3651. 
— forbidden, 
except. 



Payments. 

Drafts. 

-to be collect- 



ed. 



No exchange of funds shall be niade by any disbursing officer 
or agent of the Government, of any grade or denomination what- 
soever, or connected with any branch of the public service, other 
than an * exchange for gold, silver, United States notes, and 
national-bank notes ; and every such disbursing officer, when the 
means for his disbursements are furnished to him in gold, silver, 
United States notes, or national-bank notes, shall make his pay- 
ments in the moneys so furnished ; or when they are furnished to 
him in drafts, shall cause those drafts to be presented at their 
place of payment, and properly paid according to law, and shall 
make his payments in the money so received for the drafts fur- 
nished, unless; in either case, he can exchange the means in his 
hands for gold and silver at par. * * * 

Approved June 3, 1864. 



Officers, etc., 
receiving com- 
pensation for 
matters in 
which United 
States is in- 
terested. 

R. S., § 1782. 



— penalty 



No Senator, Representative, or Delegate, after his election and 
during his continuance in office, and no head of a Department, or 
other officer or clerk in the employ of the Government, shall 
receive or agree to receive any compensation whatever, directly or 
indirectly, for any services rendered, or to be rendered, to any per- 
son, either by himself or another, in relation to any proceeding, 
contract, claim, controversy, charge, accusation, arrest, or other 
matter or thing in which the United States is a party, or directly 
or indirectly interested, before any Department, court-martial, 
Bureau, officer, or any civil, military, or naval commission what- 
ever. Every person offending against this section shall be deemed 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be imprisoned not more than 
two years, and fined not more than ten thousand dollars, and shall, 
moreover, by conviction therefor, be rendered forever thereafter 
incapable of holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under the 
Government of the United States. 

Approved June 11, 1864. 

Warrant of In all cases where debts are due from defaulting or delinquent 

postai m suits. m postmasters, contractors, or other officers, agents, or employees of 

R. s M § 924. the Post-Office Department, a warrant of attachment may issue 

against all real and personal property and legal and equitable 

rights belonging to such officer, agent, or employee, and his sureties, 

or either of them, in the following cases : 

— may issue First. When such officer, agent, or employee, and his sureties, 

are^n o n re st S or either of them, is a nonresident of the district where such officer, 

dents - agent, or employee was appointed, or has departed from such 



11 

district for the purpose of permanently residing out of the same. 
or of defrauding the United States, or of avoiding the service of 
civil process. 

Second. When such officer, agent, or employee, and his sureties, — where prop- 
or either of them, has conveyed away or is about to convey away removed. 
his property, or any part thereof, or has removed or is about to 
remove the same or any part thereof from the district wherein it is 
situate, with intent to defraud the United States. 

And when any such property has been removed, certified copies — where prop- 
of the warrant may be sent to the marshal of the district into removed? how 
which the same has been removed, under which certified copies executed, 
he may seize said property and convey it to some convenient point 
within the .jurisdiction of the court from which the warrant orig- 
inally issued. And alias warrants may be issued in such cases 
upon due application, and the validity of the warrant first issued 
shall continue until the return day thereof. 

Approved February 23, 1865. 

Application for such warrant of attachment may be made by , Applic ^l ^ 
11 ' f° r warrant of 

anv district or assistant district attornev, or any other person attachment. 

r> g s Q95 

authorized by the Postmaster-General, before the judge, or, in towhom,~and 

his absence, before the clerk of anv court of the United States »y whom to be 

made, 
having original jurisdiction of the cause of action. And such 

application shall be made upon an affidavit of the applicant, or of — affidavit in 

11 x x A support of. 

some other credible person, stating the existence of either of the 

grounds of attachment enumerated in the preceding section, and 

upon production of legal evidence of the debt. 

Approved February 23. 1865. 

Persons honorablv discharged from the military and naval serv- Soldiers and 

sailors, 
ice by reason of disability resulting from wounds or sickness r. s., § 1754. 

incurred in the line of duty shall be preferred for appointments ^pofnTment^ 

to civil offices.' provided they are found to possess the business when. 

capacity necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of such 

offices. 

Approved March 3, 1S65. 

No portrait shall be placed upon anv of the bonds, securities, Portraits on 

pos t a 1 cur- 
notes, fractional or postal currency of the United States while rency, etc. 

the original of such portrait is living. ~~ 5^^576. 

Approved April 7, 1866. 

Every banker, broker, or other person not an authorized depos- Acceptance of 

L unlawful d e - 
itary of public moneys, who knowingly receives from any disburs- posits by bank- 
ing officer, or collector of internal revenue, or other agent of the er R.^'§ 5497. 
United States, any public money on deposit, or by way of loan 
or accommodation, with or without interest, or otherwise than in 
payment of a debt against the United States, or who uses, trans- 
fers, converts, appropriates, or applies any portion of the public 
money for any purpose not prescribed by law, and every president, 
cashier, teller, director, or other officer of any bank or banking 
association, who violates any of the provisions of this section, is 
guilty of an act of embezzlement of the public money sq deposited, 



12 

loaned, transferred, used, converted, appropriated, or applied, and 
— penalty. shall be punished as prescribed in section fifty-four hundred and 

eighty-eight (of the Revised Statutes). 
Approved June 14, 1866. 

Companies Before any telegraph company shall exercise any of the powers 
accepting pnv- . ., , ' 

ileges to file ac- or privileges conferred by law, such company shall file their writ- 

PoSfste?- ten acceptance with the Postmaster-General of the restrictions 

General. ail fl obligations required by law. (See R. S. §§ 5263-5267.) 

Approved July 24, 1866. 

Advertise- it shall not be lawful to design, engrave, print, or in any manner 
ments, etc., in ° ° * ** 

likeness of ob- make or execute, or to utter, issue, distribute, circulate, or use, 

United^States^ an y business or professional card, notice, placard, circular, band- 
it. S., § 3708. bin, or advertisement, in the likeness or similitude of any bond, 
certificate of indebtedness, certificate of deposit, coupon, United 
States note, Treasury note, fractional note, or other obligation or 
security of the United States, which has been or may be issued 
under or authorized by any act of Congress heretofore passed or 
which may hereafter be passed ; or to write, print, or otherwise 
impress upon any such instrument, obligation, or security, any 
business or professional card, notice, or advertisement, or any 

—penalty for notice or advertisement of any matter or thing whatever. Any 

1SSUG of 

person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of one 
hundred dollars, recoverable one-half to the use of the informer. 
Approved February 5, 1867. 

All parties If two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense 

acy a equ aTly against the United States, or to defraud the United States in any 

guilt; & ^aao manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such parties do 

any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, all the parties to 

such conspiracy shall be liable to a penalty of not less than one 

thousand dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars, and to 

imprisonment not more than two years. 

Approved March 2, 1867. 

Bidders to be Whenever proposals for supplies have been solicited, the parties 

opening of responding to such solicitation shall be duly notified of the time 

bl( R' S , § 3710 aim " PJace of opening the bids, and be permitted to be present 

— may be pres- either in person or by attorney, and a record of each bid shall 
ent. 

then and there be made. 

Approved January 31, 1868. 
Contracts It shall not be lawful for any of the Executive Departments to 

not" "f"o pxopprt 

one year. make contracts for stationery or other supplies for a longer term 

R. S., § 3735. than one year from the time the contract is made. 
Approved January 31, 1868. 

Appropria- All sums appropriated for the various branches of expenditure 
pended 0*11 ?y in the public service shall be applied solely to the objects for 
f ° r, fi°d ) ^ eCtS wllicn tDey are respectively made, and for no others. 
^rVs?, § 3678. Approved February 12, 1868. 
See 1878, June 
19, ch. 329, 1 Supp., 201; R. S., §§ 3690, 3691. 



13 

The Secretary of State shall furnish the Congressional Printer Copy of 

cvorv i) o s td. 1 
with a correct ropy * * * of every postal convention made convention to 

between the Postmaster-General, by and with the advice and eon- pj bli c "Winter* 

sent of the President, on the part of the United States, and equiva- R. S., § 3803! 

lent officers of foreign governments on the part of their respective 

countries. 

Approved March 9, 1868. 

The Postmaster-General shall transmit a copy of every postal Copy of 

every postal 
convention to the Secretary of State for the purpose of being convention to 

printed, and the printed copy thereof shall he revised by the Post- f t e a c t r g tary ° f 

Office Department instead of by the Secretary of State. R- S., § 3804. 

Approved March 9, 1808. 

The Congressional Printer, on receiving from the Postmaster- Postal con - 
-n.' ■ i * -l i i ±. xi ™ j. ventions to be 

General a copy of any postal convention between the Postmaster- printed by 

General, on the part of the United States, and an equivalent Pu p J ll g P § 3806" 

officer of any foreign government, shall immediately cause an 

accurate printed copy thereof to be executed and sent in duplicate 

to the Postmaster-General. On the return of one of the revised 

duplicates, he shall at once have the marked corrections made 

and cause to be printed and sent to the Postmaster-General any 

number of copies which he may order, not exceeding five hundred, 

and to be printed separately, and sent to the two Houses of 

Congress, the usual number. 

Approved March 9, 1868. 

All printing, binding, and blank books for the * * * Execu- Printing and 

ti ve * * * Departments shall be done at the Government 1 \*%f t ' § 3786. 

Printing Office, except in cases otherwise provided by law. ^Government 

Approved July 20. 1808. Printing Office, 

except. 

In case of the death, resignation, absence, or sickness of the Acting offi- 

head of any Department, the first or sole assistant thereof shall, 'f Depart- 

unless otherwise directed by the President, as provided by section men » t- g e 177 
one hundred and seventy-nine (R. S. ), perform the duties of such 
head until a successor is appointed, or such absence or sickness 
shall cease. 

Approved July 23, 1868. 

In case of the death, resignation, absence, or sickness of the Acting offi- 
chief of any Bureau, or of any officer thereof, whose appointment reaus. ° f B u " 
is not vested in the head of the Department, the assistant or R- S., § 178. 
deputy of such chief or of such officer, or if there be none, then 
the chief clerk of such Bureau, shall, unless otherwise directed by 
the President, as provided by section one hundred and seventy- 
nine (R. S.), perform the duties of such chief or of such officer 
until a successor is appointed or such absence or sickness shall 
cease. 

Approved, July 23, 1868. 

In any of the cases mentioned in the two preceding sections Acting offi- 

(R. S., §§ 177 and 178) * * * the President may, in his discre- 2fmed\yPre S e 

tion, authorize and direct the head of any other Department or any ident, when. 

. * J R. S., § 179. 



14 

other officer in either Department, whose appointment is vested 
in the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Sen- 
ate, to perform the duties of the vacant office until a successor is 
appointed, or the sickness or absence of the incumbent shall cease. 
Approved, July 23, 1868. 

Extra com- An officer performing the duties of another office, during a 
performing du- vacancy, as authorized by sections one hundred and seventy-seven, 
vacancy 1 \ Vr^ one hundred and seventy -eight, and one hundred and seventy-nine 

bidden. (Revised Statutes), is not by reason thereof ■ entitled to any other 

r s 3 182 

compensation than that attached to his proper office. 

Approved, July 23, 1868. 

Copies of Copies of the quarterly returns of postmasters and of anv papers 
Quarterly re- 
turns of post- pertaining to the accounts in the office of the Sixth Auditor, and 

mon t ey S -oiMa 1 er transcripts from the money -order account books of the Post-Office 

transcripts to Department, when certified by the Sixth Auditor under the seal of 

evidence. his office, shall be admitted as evidence in the courts of the United 

gj ^'e certi- States m civil suits and criminal prosecutions ; and in any civil 

fled by Audi- su it, in case of delinquency of any postmaster or contractor, a 
tor. 

statement of the account, certified as aforesaid, shall be admitted 

in evidence, and the court shall be authorized thereupon to give 

— judgment judgment and award execution, subject to the provisions of law 

as to proceedings in such civil suits. 

Approved, July 27, 1868. 



tbereon. 



Certified In all suits for the recovery of balances due from postmasters, 
ment °of St de- a C( W> chny certified under the seal of the Sixth Auditor, of the 

mands as evi- statement of any postmaster, special agent (post-office inspector), 
dence. 

R. S., § 890. or other person, employed by the Postmaster-General or the 

tu^s^demand! Auditor for that purpose, that he has mailed a letter to such delin- 
quent postmaster at the post-office where the indebtedness ac- 
crued, or at his last usual place of abode; that a sufficient time 
has elapsed for said letter to have reached its destination in the 
ordinary course of the mail ; and that payment of such balance 
has not been received within the time designated in his instruc- 
tions, shall be received as sufficient evidence in the courts of the 
United States, or other courts, that a demand has been made upon 
the delinquent postmaster ; but when the account of a late post- 
master has been once adjusted and settled, and a demand has 
No demand been made for the balance appearing to be due, and afterwards 
late e pcfstmaf allowances are made or credits entered, it shall not be necessary 
ters, when. to ma ^ e a further demand for the new balance found to be due. 
Approved July 27, 1868. 

Oaths to wit- Any officer or clerk of any of the departments lawfully detailed 
D.6SS6S in m~ 
vestigations. to investigate frauds on, or attempts to defraud, the Government, 



?9<?i' Ma? 3 2 or any irregularity or misconduct of any officer or agent of the 
i. 809! § 3, 31 United States, * 
;at. L., 951. .. . ' 

-officers and oath to any witness 

£i£?ste?. ay ad " such investigation. 



ch. 809, § 3, 31 United States, * * * shall have authority to administer an 
— officers and oath to any witness attending to testify or depose in the course of 



Resolution approved April 10, 1869. 



15 

No officer, clerk, or employee in the United States Government Gifts to su- 

employ shall at any time solicit contributions from other officers, pei R 01 s S ', § 1784. 

clerks, or employees in the Government service for a gift or ~ t s £ P ^Vive 8 

m-esent to those in a superior official position ; nor shall any such — subordinates 
* . . a, -, not to make, 

officials or clerical superiors receive any gift or present offered or 

presented to them as a contribution from persons in Government 
employ receiving a less salary than themselves ; nor shall any offi- 
cer or clerk make any donation as a gift or present to any official 

superior. Every person who violates this section shall be sum penalty. 

marily discharged from the Government employ. 
Approved February 1, 1870. 

The postmaster to whom such copyright book, title, or other Copyright 

9,1'ticlG 

article is delivered, shall, if requested, give a receipt therefor ; and _ reC eipt for, 

when so delivered he shall mail it to its destination. ^ven* 1 t0 be 

Approved July S, 1870. * R. S., § 4961. 

No Department of the Government shall expend, in any one Expenditures 

... , , ~ not to exceed . 

fiscal year, any sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress appropria- 

for that fiscal year or involve the Government in any contract tkm ^ g § 3679 

for the future payment of money in excess of such appropriation. Contracts for 

future pay- 
ments forbid- 
den. 
Note. — This section yields to the special authority conferred Note. 

upon the Postmaster-General to enter into contracts for carrying 

the mails. 

Approved July 12, 1870. 

No moneys appropriated for contingent, incidental, or mis- ' Contingent 
cellaneous purposes shall be expended or paid for official or — no *t to be ex- 
clerical compensation. clerical* ser°v* 
Approved July 12, 1870. ices. 

See 1875, 
Mar. 3 , ch. 
129, 18 St. L., 
367. 

R. S., § 3682. 

All balances of appropriations contained in the annual appro- Balances of 
priation bills and made specifically for the service of any fiscal tions. 

year, and remaining unexpended at the expiration of such fiscal ^ s ^j* used 

year, shall only be applied to the payment of expenses properly for P a y ment 
incurred during that year, or to the fulfillment of contracts incurred d u r - 
properly made within that year ; and balances not needed for mg year * 
such purposes shall be carried to the surplus fund. This section, — carried to 
however, shall not apply to appropriations known as permanent sur P lus fund< - 
or indefinite appropriations. 

Approved July 12, 1870. 

No advertisement, notice, or proposal for any Executive Depart- Advertising 
ment of the Government, or for any Bureau thereof, or for any 
office therewith connected, shall be published in any newspaper 
whatever, except in pursuance of a written authority for such — authority fpr 
publication from the head of such Department ; and no bill for £g. e m Wn " 
any such advertising or publication shall be paid, unless there — Dil1 therefor, 
be presented with such bill a copy of such written authority. 

Approved July 15, 1870. 



16 

Failure of Every officer or agent of the United States who, having received 
officer toac- ,,. , . . . . .-..,, ,. 

count for public money which he is not authorized to retain as salary, 

ceived 6 J VQ ' pay ' or em °lument, fails to render his accounts for the same as 
R. S., § 5491. provided by law, shall be deemed guilty of embezzlement, and 
—penalty. shall be fined in a sum equal to the amount of the money em- 

bezzled, and shall be imprisoned not less than six months or more 
than ten years. 

Approved July 15, 1870. 

Witnesses in Any head of a Department or Bureau in which a claim against 

R. s!, § 184. the United States is properly pending may apply to any judge or 

pa?tment f may clerk of any court of tne United States, in any State, District, or 

apply for sub- Territory, to issue a subpoena for a witness being within the iuris- 
poena to judge ° J 

order k of diction of such court, to appear at a time and place in the sub- 

court. d tatGS Poeua stated, before any officer authorized to take depositions to 
be used in the courts of the United States, there to give full and 
true answers to such written interrogatories and cross-interroga- 
tories as may be submitted with the application, or to be orally 
examined and cross-examined upon the subject of such claim. 
Approved, February 14, 1871. 

Printing o r No printing or binding shall be done, or blank books furnished, 

to be done * * * for any of the Executive Departments, except on a writ- 

sition 0n reqm " ten requisition by the head of such Department, or one of his 

R. s., § 3789. assistants. 

Approved, March 3, 1871. 

Estimates The head of each of the Executive Departments, and every 
binding! 118 and otner public officer who is authorized to have printing and binding 
R. S., § 3661. done at the Congressional Printing Office for the use of his Depart- 
ment or public office, shall include in his annual estimate for 
appropriations for the next fiscal year such sum or sums as may 
to him seem necessary " for printing and binding, to be executed 
under the direction of the Congressional Printer." 
Approved, May 8, 1872. 

Acco u n t s , Whenever the Postmaster-General or any person whose accounts 
Stfements °by nave been settled by the Sixth Auditor is dissatisfied with the 
Auditor, may settlement made by the Auditor, he may, within twelve months. 
Comptroller. appeal to the First Comptroller, whose decision shall be con- 

R. S., § 270. clusive (see ac t j u i y 31, 1894.) 

Approved, June 8, 1872. 

Auditor to The Sixth Auditor (Auditor for the Post-Office Department) 

co a il P ect r ioSs t . end sna11 superintend the collection of all debts due the Post-Office 

«?' S "t*« 2 q 2 fi -Department, and all penalties and forfeitures imposed for any 

Feb. 26, cb. 33^ violation of the postal laws, and take all such other measures as 

to P e'n force ma ^ De authorized by law to enforce the payment of such debts 

payment. an( j the recovery of such penalties and forfeitures. He shall also 

superintend the collection of all penalties and forfeitures arising 
under other statutes, where such penalties and forfeitures are the 
consequence of unlawful acts affecting the revenues or property of 
the Post-Office Department. ( See act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 130, sec. 2, 
and act July 31, 1894, ch. 174, sec. 3.) 
Approved, June 8, 1872. 



17 

The Sixth Auditor (for the Post-Office Department) shall keep Money-or- 
, . , , , . , der accounts, 

the accounts ot money-order business separately, and in such man- r. s., § 298. 

nor as to show the number and amount of money orders issued at ^J ra teiy. kept 

each office, the number and amount paid, the amount of fees — what to 

show. 
received, and all the expenses of the money-order business. 

Approved, June 8, 1872. 

The Sixth Auditor (for the Post-Office Department) shall state Quarterly 

rGDort to Post- 
and certify quarterly to the Postmaster-General an account of the master-General 

money paid by postmasters out of the receipts of their offices, and J* r ™J n ^ di T 

pursuant to appropriations, on account of the expenses of the masters. 

postal service ; designating the heads under which such payments 

were made. 

Approved, June 8, 1872. 

Whenever a judgment is obtained for a debt or damages due the Compromise 
Post-Office Department, and it satisfactorily appears that such r. s., § 295. 
judgment, or so much thereof as remains unpaid, can not be col- 
lected by due process of law, the Sixth Auditor may, with the — Auditor may 
written consent of the Postmaster-General, compromise such judg- J? a n s e e j^ 1 * f 

inent, and accept in satisfaction less than the full amount thereof. Postmaster- 
General. 
Approved, June 8, 1872. 

In case of delinquency of any postmaster, contractor, or other Papers to be 

officer, agent, or employee of the Post-Office Department, in which jSSSent of 

suit is brought, the Sixth Auditor shall forward to the Department Justice in suits 

against delm- 
of Justice certified copies of all papers in his office tending to quents. 

sustain the claim. K - fe> ' * z ^' 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The several Auditors are empowered to administer oaths to wit- Oaths in set- 
nesses in any case in which they may deem it necessary for the due count? ° f a °~ 
examination of the accounts with which they shall be charged. R - s -> § 297 - 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any mayor of a city, justice of the peace, or judge of any court Oaths in set- 

of record in the United States may administer oaths, in relation to counts. ° a ° 

the examination and settlement of the accounts committed to the — w .ho ma y ad ~ 

minister. 
charge of the Sixth Auditor. R. s., § 298. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

In the prosecution of any suit for money due the Post-Office instructions 

Department, the United States attorney conducting the same shall J f . jtStice^to 

obey the directions which may be given him by the Department of b e obeyed in 

J * L postal suits. 

Justice. R. S., § 381. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

When proceedings at law for money due the Post-Office Depart- Proceed i n g s 

ment are fruitless, the Department of Justice may direct the insti- molieV^ due 

tution of a suit in chancery, in any United States district or cir- Post-Office De- 

" partment. 

cuit court, to set aside fraudulent conveyances or trusts, or attach R. S.', § 382. 

debts due the defendant, or obtain any other proper exercise of the 

powers of equity to have satisfaction of any judgment against 

such defendant. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

6300—07 2 



fice of. 



18 

Post-Office There shall be at the seat of government an Executive Depart- 
R. S., § 388. ment, to be known as the Post-Office Department, and a Post- 
master -Gene- master-General, who shall be the head thereof, and who shall be 
ral. appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 

the Senate, and who may be removed in the same manner ; and 
-term o f o f - the term of the Postmaster-General shall be for and during the 
term of the President by whom he is appointed, and for one month 
thereafter, unless sooner removed. 
Note. Note. — The salary of the Postmaster-General is $8,000 a year. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Assistant At- There shall be emploved in the Post-Office Department one 
tor ney -General 

for the Post- Assistant Attorney-General, who shall be appointed by the Post- 
Sen? Depart " master-General, and shall be entitled to a salary of four thousand 
R. S., § 390. dollars a year. 

Note. Note. — Under recent appropriation acts the Assistant Attorney- 

General receives a salary of $4,500 per annum. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Oaths, b e - Any officer, civil or military, holding a commission under the 
taken. United States, is authorized to administer and certify the oath 

R. S., § 392. prescribed by the preceding section. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Clerks and There shall be in the Post-Office Department : 

en R. s y , 6 § S 393- O ne cnie f clerk, at a salary of two thousand two hundred dol- 
lars a year. 

One superintendent of the post-office building and disbursing 
clerk, at a salary of two thousand three hundred dollars a year. 

One topographer, at a salary of two thousand five hundred dol- 
lars a year. 

One stenographer, at a salary of one thousand eight hundred 
dollars a year. 

One messenger to the Postmaster-General, at a salary of nine 
hundred dollars a year. 

One captain of the watch, at a salary of one thousand dollars a 
year. 

One engineer, at a salary of one thousand six hundred dollars a 
year. 

One assistant engineer, at a salary of one thousand dollars a 
year. 

One carpenter, at a salary of one thousand two hundred and 
fifty-two dollars a year. 

One assistant carpenter, at a salary of one thousand dollars a 
year. 

One fireman and blacksmith, at a salary of nine hundred dollars 
a year. 

Two firemen, at a salary of seven hundred and twenty dollars a 
year each. 

Three female laborers, at a salary of four hundred and eighty 
dollars a year each. 

In the office of- the money-order system : 

One superintendent, at a salary of four thousand dollars a year. 

One chief clerk, at a salary of two thousand dollars a year. 



19 

In the office of foreign mails : 
One superintendent, at a salary of four thousand dollars a year. 
One chief clerk, at a salary of two thousand dollars a year. 

In the dead-letter office : 
One chief of division, at a salary of two thousand five hundred 
dollars a year. 

In the office of mail depredations : 
One chief of division, at a salary of two thousand five hundred 
dollars a year. 

In the office of the blank agency : 
One superintendent, at a salary of one thousand eight hundred 
dollars a year. 

One assistant superintendent, at a salary of one thousand six 
hundred dollars a year. 

Four assistants, at a salary of one thousand two hundred dol- 
lars a year each. 

In the office of each of the Assistant Postmasters-General; 
One chief clerk, at a salary of two thousand dollars a year. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall keep the seal heretofore adopted Official seal. 

R S § 395 

for his Department, which shall be affixed to all commissions of — custody of. 
postmasters and others, and used to authenticate all transcripts use of - 
and copies which may be required from his Department. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall make out and keep, in proper Record and 
books, full and complete inventories and accounts of all the ertyf 
property belonging to the United States in the buildings, rooms, Property in 
offices, and grounds occupied by him and under his charge ; and r_ ^ a , r § ^jIt! ' 
shall add thereto, from time to time, an account of such property — record of 
as may be procured subsequently to the taking of the same, and 
also an account of the sale or disposal of any such property, and — sale of use- 
to report the same to Congress during the first week of each ..JJeport of. 
annual session. But this section shall not apply to the supplies 
of stationery and fuel. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

For the purpose of making better postal arrangements with Postal con- 
foreign countries, or to counteract their adverse measures affect- foreign coun- 
ing our postal intercourse with them, the Postmaster-General, by tri fj. s ' s * 3 98 
and with the advice and consent of the President, may negotiate — to be negotl- 
and conclude postal treaties or conventions, and may reduce or Post master- 
increase the rates of postage on mail matter conveyed between the Gen eral. 
United States and foreign countries. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



The Postmaster-General shall transmit a copy of each postal Publication 
, ,-,.,,„. „ . of postal con- 

convention concluded with foreign governments to the Secretary ventions. 

of State, who shall furnish a copy of the same to the Congres- R - S " § 399 - 

sional Printer for publication ; and the printed proof sheets of all 

such conventions shall be revised at the Post-Office Department. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



20 

Blank agency The Postmaster-General may establish a blank agency for the 
ton !^^ hmg " Post-Office Department, to be located at Washington, District of 
r. S.', § 400. Columbia. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Foreign dead T k e ac ti n of the Post-Office Department respecting foreign 

R. S.', § 401. dead letters shall be subject to conventional stipulations with the 
— treatment ,. „ . 4 , . . , , . 

subject to con- respective foreign Administrations. 

ventions. Approved June 8, 1872. 

Orders, con- Every order, entry, or memorandum whatever, on which any 
tracts etc. to 
bear true date, action is to be based, allowance made, or money paid, and every 

R * s " * • contract, paper, or obligation made by or with the Post-Office 

Date of fil- Department, shall have its true date affixed to it ; and every paper 
ing papers re- 
lating to con- relating to contracts or allowances filed in the Department shall 

be a afflxed tC '' t0 liave the date wnen it was flled indorsed upon it. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Bonds a n d All bonds taken and contracts entered into by the Post-Office 
contr&cts to do 
in name of Department shall be made to and with the United States of 

Un R t6 S., fiot America. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Duplicate of The Postmaster-General shall deliver to the Sixth Auditor, 
delivered to within sixty days after the making of any contract for carrying 
AU r!s > m § 404. tb - e mail » a duplicate copy thereof. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Orders and All orders and regulations of the Postmaster-General which inny 
regulations to . . . 

be certified to originate a claim, or m any manner affect the accounts of the 

AU R i1; s! § 405. P° s tal service, shall be certified to the Sixth Auditor. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Payments by Upon the certified quarterly statement by the Sixth Auditor of 

P °R. S., § 406. the payments by postmasters on account of the postal service, the 

Postmaster-General shall issue his warrant to the Treasurer to 

— to be charged carry the amount to the credit of the postal revenues and to the 

tions. P debit of the proper appropriations upon the books of the Auditor. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postal reve- The postal revenues and all debts due the Post-Office Depart- 

lections to be ment shall, when collected, be paid into the Treasury of the United 

Tmisury° the States, under the direction of the Postmaster-General ; and the 

R. S., § 407. Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, or designated depositary receiving 

such payment shall give the depositary duplicate receipts therefor. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Bringing de- All deposits on account of the postal service shall be brought 
Treasury. into the Treasury by warrants of the Postmaster-General, counter- 

wa r f arft's signeo - by tlle Auditor; and no credit shall be allowed for any 

for. deposit until such~warrant has been issued. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



21 

In all eases of fine, penalty, forfeiture, or disability, or alleged Compromise, 

. _ ,. remission, etc., 

liability for any sum ot money by way of damages or otherwise, f fines, penal- 

under any provision of law in relation to the officers, employees, tures,* disabili- 

operations, or business of the postal service, the Postmaster- ties, liabilities, 

etc. 
General may prescribe such general rules and modes of proceed- r. s., § 409. 

ing as shall appear to be expedient, for the government of the 
Sixth Auditor, in ascertaining the fact in each case in which 
the Auditor shall certify to him that the interests of the Depart- 
ment probably require the exercise of his powers over fines, 

penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities ; and upon the fact being Auditor may 

, .7, * ±i make, with 

ascertained, the Auditor may, with the written consent of the consent of 

Postmaster-General, mitigate or remit such fine, penalty, or for- GenerS. aSter '" 
feiture, remove such disability, or compromise, release, or dis- 
charge such claim for such sum of money and damages, and on 
such terms as the Auditor shall deem just and expedient 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may discharge from imprisonment any Discharge of 

., . .., . -, ,. .., , imprisoned 

person confined in jail on any judgment m a civil case, ob- judgment debt- 

tained in behalf of the Department, if it be made to appear that ors ^ g § 41Q 

the defendant has no property of any description. — Postmaster - 

-. -r <-, - <-,,-« General may 

Approved June 8, 18 < 2. order. 

The release provided for by the preceding section (R. S. § 410) — no bar to 
shall not bar a subsequent execution against the property of the ecution. 
defendant on the same judgment. R - s -' § 411, 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No person employed in the Post-Office Department shall become Employees of 

interested in any contract for carrying the mail, or act as agent, partment 6 n o 6 t 

with or without compensation, for any contractor or person offer- t0 b e inter- 
^ > • •> ^ ested in con- 

ing to become a contractor, in any business before the Depart- tracts. 

t» <j § 412 

ment ; and any person so offending shall be immediately dismissed not to act as 

from office, and shall be liable to pay so much money as would agents, 
have been realized from said contract, to be recovered in an action 
of debt, for the use of the Post-Office Department. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall make the following annual re- Reports o f 
ports to Congress : ^ ™ r a ^f e t r i 

First. A report of all contracts for carrying the mail made Congress, 
within the preceding year, giving in each case the name of the — f ' contracts 
contractor, the date and duration of the contract, the routes f in ^ il carryiIlg 
embraced therein, with the length of each ; the time of arrival 
and departure at the ends of each route ; the mode of transpor- 
tation, and the price to be paid, together with a copy of the 
recorded abstracts of all proposals for carrying the mail, as pro- 
vided by section three thousand nine hundred and forty-eight 
(R. S.), title "The Postal Service." 

Second. A report of all land and water mails established or — f additional 
ordered within the preceding year, other than those let to con- ^Stened* 68 GS 
tract at the annual letting, giving in each case the route or water 



22 

course on which the mail is established, the name of the person 

employed to transport it, the mode' of transportation, the price to 

be paid, and the duration of the order or contract. 

—of extra al- Third. A report of all allowances made to contractors within 

lowances to 

contractors. the preceding year above the sums originally stipulated in their 

respective contracts, and the reasons for the same, and of all orders 
made whereby additional expense is incurred on any route beyond 
the original contract price, giving in each case the route, the name 
of the contractor, the original service provided for by the contract, 
the original price, the additional service required, and the addi- 
tional allowance therefor. 

— o f curtail- Fourth. A report of all curtailments of expenses effected within 
ments of ex- L L 

penses. the preceding year* giving in each case the same particulars as in 

the preceding report. 
— of finances. Fifth. A report of the finances of the Department for the pre- 
ceding year, showing the amount of balance due the Department 
at the beginning of the year, the amount of postage which accrued 
within the year, the amount of engagements and liabilities, and 
the amount actually paid during the year for carrying the mail, 
showing how much of the amount was for carrying the mail in 
preceding years. 

—of fines and Sixth. A report of the fines imposed on and the deductions from 

d e|d uctions 

from contrac- the pay of contractors made during the preceding year, stating the 

tors ' name of the contractor, the nature of the delinquency, the route 

on which it occurred, when the fine was imposed, and whether the 

fine or deduction has been remitted and for what reason. 

—copy of for- Seventh. A copy of each contract for carrying the mail between 

tracts? 131 Q " the United States and foreign countries, with a statement of the 

amount of postage derived under the same, so far as the returns 

of the Department will enable it to be done. 

— of all other Eighth. A report showing all contracts which have been made 
contracts 

by the Department, other than for carrying the mail, giving the 

name of the contractor, the article or thing contracted for, the 
place where the article was to be delivered or the thing per- 
formed, the amount paid therefor, and the date and duration of 
the contract. 

—of postal Ninth. A report on the postal business and agencies in foreign 
business in for- 
eign countries, countries. 

— of all ex- Tenth. A report of the amount expended in the Department for 
the preceding fiscal year, including detailed statements of expendi- 
tures made from the contingent fund. 

— reports to be And the Postmaster-General shall cause all of such reports to be 
printed. 

printed at the Public Printing Office, either together or separately, 

and in such numbers as may be required by the exigencies of the 

service or by law. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Annual esti- The Postmaster-General shall furnish a copy of his annual esti- 

STIflf^S by Post"- 

master General mates to the Secretary of the Treasury prior to the first of Novem- 
— throughSec- Der in eacn year > which shall be reported to Congress by the latter 
r e t a r y of i n hi s regular printed estimates. 
Treasury. ^ ^ ^ 

R. S., § 414. Approved June 8, 18 < 2. 

See 18 7 5, 
Mar. 3, ch. 129, § 3, 1 Supp., 72. 



23 

Each district attorney shall, immediately after the end of every Reports of 

* proceedings in 

term in which any suit for moneys due on account of the Post- postal suits. 

Office Department has been pending in his district, forward to the dist -'ict 77 °t 

Department of Justice a statement of any judgment or order made, torneys to 

or step taken in the same, during such term, accompanied by a 

certificate of the clerk, showing the parties to and amount of every 

such judgment, with such other information as the Department of 

Justice may require. And the said attorney shall direct speedy Execution 

and effectual execution upon said judgment, and the United States to be Speedy! S 

marshal to whom the same is directed shall make returns of the 

proceedings thereon to the Department of Justice, at such times as 

it may direct. 

Approved June 8, 1S72. 

* * * all suits arising under the postal laws shall be brought . Sl i i tf ^2 ~ $ 
in the name of the United States. United States. 

o iow R - S., § 919. 

Approved June 8, 18 i 2. 

The Postmaster-General may transfer money belonging to the "?g* nsfer of 
postal service between the Treasurer, assistant treasurers, and R. S., § 3611. 

designated depositaries, at his discretion, and as the safety of the wben. 

public money and the convenience of the service may require. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall submit to Congress at each annual Estimates for 
session an estimate of the amount that will be required for the tions. 
ensuing fiscal year, under each of the following heads: to be submit- 

First. Transportation of the mails. ted annually. 

Second. Compensation of postmasters. tion. 

Third. Compensation of clerks in post-offices. 

Fourth. Compensation of letter carriers. 

Fifth. Compensation of blank agents and assistants. 

Sixth. Mail depredations and special agents. 

Seventh. Postage stamps and envelopes. 

Eighth. Ship, steamboat, and way letters. 

Ninth. Dead letters. 

Tenth. Mail bags. 

Eleventh. Mail locks, keys, and stamps. 

Twelfth. Wrapping paper. 

Thirteenth. Office furniture. 

Fourteenth. Advertising. 

Fifteenth. Balances to foreign countries. 

Sixteenth. Rent, light, and fuel for post-offices. 

Seventeenth. Stationery. 

Eighteenth. Miscellaneous. 

Such estimates shall show the sums paid under each head, and — to sbowpay- 

monts u ii d 6 r 
the names of the persons to whom payments are made out of the q^^ h ea a an <3 

miscellaneous fund ; but the names of persons employed in detect- ? ut of ^uscel- 

1 L J laneous fund, 

ing depredations on the mail, and of other confidential agents, 

need not be disclosed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



24 

Payments by Payments of money out of the Treasury on account of the postal 
Wa il!s n , § 3674. service shall be in pursuance of appropriations made by law, by 

how drawn. warran tg of the Postmaster-General, registered and countersigned 
— to show ap- by the Auditor for the Post-Office Department, and expressing on 
whfihVrawn. 11 their face the appropriation to which they should be charged. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Post-offices. The Postmaster-General shall establish post-offices at all such 

Postmaster- places on post roads established by law as he may deem expedient, 

t* Wish 1 t0 6S an< * be sna11 promptly certify such establishment to the Auditor 

— penalty for for the Post-Office Department, and every person who, without 

out Authority, authority from the Postmaster-General, sets up or professes to 

keep any office or place of business bearing the sign, name, or title 

of post-office shall, for every such offense, be liable to a penalty 

of not more than five hundred dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postmasters Every postmaster shall reside within the delivery of the office 
to reside with- „ . , , . . , , 

in delivery of to which he is appointed. 



° ffl R?S., § 3831. Approved June 8, 1872. 



Failure to Every person employed in the postal service shall be subject to 
take oath 

R. S., § 3832. all penalties and forfeitures for violation of the laws relating to 

f^om* penalties* sucn service whether he has taken the oath of office or not. 
etc., by. Approved June 8, 1872. 

Suits and All causes of action arising under the postal laws may be sued, 
prosecutions in , ,, „„ . ,, , , -, , „ 

State courts, and all offenders against the same may be prosecuted, before the 

R. S., § 3833. j us tices of the peace, magistrates, or other judicial courts of the 

several States and Territories having competent jurisdiction by 

the laws thereof, to the trial of claims and demands of as great 

value, and of prosecutions where the punishments are of as great 

extent; and such justices, magistrates, or judiciary shall take 

cognizance thereof, and proceed to judgment and execution as in 

other cases. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Bonds of Every postmaster, before entering upon the duties of his office, 
P °R. m s a ! § G 3834. shall give bond, with good and approved security, and in such 
—conditions penalty as the Postmaster-General shall deem sufficient, condi- 
tioned for the faithful discharge of all duties and trusts imposed 
on him either by law or the rules and regulations of the Depart- 

— at money- ment; and where an office is designated as a money-order office, 
order offices 

the bond of the postmaster shall contain an additional condition 

for the faithful performance of all duties and obligations in con- 
nection with the money-order business. On the death, resignation, 
or removal of a postmaster, his bond shall be delivered to the 
Bonds of Sixth Auditor. The bond of any married woman who may be 
en appointed appointed postmaster shall be binding upon her and her sureties, 
postmasters. ari( j S b e S h a ii fc e liable for misconduct in office as if she were sole. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



25 

Whenever any postmaster is required to execute a new bond, Application 

all payments made by him after the execution of such new bond after new bond! 

may. if the Postmaster-General or the Sixth Auditor deem it just, |' e |-» \g S ^' 

be applied first to discharge any balance which may be due from Feb. 4, ch. 45', 

. , i , 1 Supp., 214. 

such postmaster under his old bond. — how may be 

Approved June S, 1872. made - 

Whenever the office of any postmaster becomes vacant, the Vacancies in 

Postmaster-General or the President shall supply such vacancy be S promptly 

without delay, and the Postmaster-General shall promptly notify fill ^ (1 g * 3836 

the Sixth Auditor of the change; and every postmaster and his See 'l895, 

jyT a r 2 c li 
sureties shall be responsible under their bond for the safe- 177, '§ '5, 2 

keeping of the public property of the post-office, and the due per- SU Auditor 9 to be 

formance of the duties thereof, until the expiration of the com- advised of 

change 
mission, or until a successor has been duly appointed and quali- Liability of 

tied, and has taken possession of the office ; except that in cases !^to tie continue 

where there is a delay of sixty days in supplying a vacancy, the tin vacancy is 

sureties may terminate their responsibility by giving notice, in —-may be ter- 

writing. to the Postmaster-General, such" termination to take effect g C e ated by no ~ 

ten days after sufficient time shall have elapsed to receive a reply 

from the Postmaster-General; and the Postmaster-General may, Inspector 

when the exigencies of the service' require, place such office in SJJJa-e? put in 

charge of a special agent (post-office inspector) until the vacancy 

can be regularly filled ; and when such special agent shall have 

taken charge of such post-office, the liability of the sureties of the 

postmaster shall cease. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Whenever any of the sureties of a postmaster notify the Post- Release of 
master-General of their desire to be released from their suretyship, renewal of 
or when the Postmaster-General deems a new bond necessary, £°n d !f asters ' 
he shall require the postmaster to execute such new bond, with R. S., § 3837. 
security. When accepted by the Postmaster-General, the new . led^'fr o m 
bond shall be as valid as the bond given upon the original appoint- acceptance f 
ment of such postmaster, and the sureties in the prior bond shall 
be released from responsibility for all acts or defaults of the post- 
master which may be done or committed subsequent to the last 
day of the quarter in which such new bond shall be executed and 
accepted. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

If on the settlement of the account of any postmaster it shall Limitations 

appear that he is indebted to the United States, and suit therefor ^onpostmas- 

shall not be instituted within three years after the close of such tors' bonds, 

tbree years, 
account, the sureties on his bond shall not be liable for such r. s., § 3838. 

indebtedness. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Every postmaster shall keep an office in which one or more per- Post - offices 
sons shall be on duty during such hours of each day as the Post- a° r | c t^fd by 
master-General may direct, for the purpose of receiving, deliver- Q e ° n s e * J} a s t e r " 
ing, making up, and forwarding all mail matter received thereat. R. S., § 3839. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



26 

Time for All letters brought to any post-office half an hour before the 
closing mails. ,. „ , „ ,, 

R. S., § 3840. time for the departure of the mail shall be forwarded therein ; but 

at offices where, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, more 
time for making up the mail is required, he may prescribe accord- 
ingly, not exceeding one hour. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Registers of The Postmaster-General shall furnish to the postmasters at the 
arrivals a n d ^ . „ , , , , , 

departures. termination of each route a schedule of the time of arrival and 

Repdrts, 3 how departure of the mail at their offices, respectively, to be posted in 
made, a conspicuous place in the office; and he shall also give them 

notice of any change in the arrival and departure that may be 
ordered ; and he shall cause to be kept and returned to the Depart- 
ment, at short and regular intervals, registers, showing the exact 
times of the arrivals and departures of the mail. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

off offices a t Evel *y postmaster shall keep a record, in such form as the Post- 

R. s., § 3842. master-General shall direct, of all postage stamps, envelopes, postal 

^of Supplies, hooks, blanks, and property received from his predecessor, or from 

—of receipts ^ e Department or any of its agents ; of all receipts in money for 

— of expendi- postages and box rents, and of all other receipts on account of the 

postal service, and of any other transactions which may be 

— t o be pre- required by the Postmaster-General ; and these records shall be 
served 

preserved and delivered to his successor, and shall be at all times 

subject to examination by any special agent of the Department 

(post-office inspector). 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Quarterly Every postmaster shall render to the Postmaster-General, under 
return of ac- 
counts, oath, and in such form as the latter shall prescribe, a quarterly 

^' S 'b e 3 ?en- account of all moneys received or charged by him or at his office, 

dered. for postage, rent of boxes or other receptacles for mail matter, or 

by reason of keeping a branch office, or for the delivery of mail 

matter in any manner whatever. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Quarterly The Postmaster-General may require a sworn statement to 
accounts to be , „,,.,,„„ 

sworn to. accompany each quarterly account of a postmaster, to the effect 

R. S., § 3844. tliat gucll accoun t contains a true statement of the entire amount 
of postage, box rents, charges, and moneys collected or received 
at his office during the quarter ; that he has not knowingly deliv- 
ered, or permitted to be delivered, any mail matter on which the 
postage was not at the time paid ; that such account exhibits truly 
and faithfully the entire receipts collected at his office, and which, 
by due diligence, could have been collected ; and that the credits he 
claims are just and right. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Neglect to Whenever any postmaster neglects to render his accounts for 
render ac- 
counts. " one month after the time, and in the form and manner prescribed 

R. S., § 3845. ^y j aw an( j tj ie regulations of the Postmaster-General, he and his 



27 

sureties shall forfeit and pay double the amount of the gross — postmasters 

m a v be re- 
receipts at such office during any previous or subsequent equal moved for. 

period of time; and if, at the time of trial, no account has been — penalty upon 

rendered, they shall be liable to a penalty of such sum as the court onc ° 1- 

and jury shall estimate to be equivalent thereto, to be recovered 

in an action on the bond. 

Approved June 8, 1S72. 

Postmasters shall keep safely, without loaning, using, deposit- Money to be 

ing in an unauthorized bank, or exchanging for other funds, all s r.*s., § 3846. 

the public money collected by them, or which may come into their 38 ff e R ' S '' ^ 

possession, until it is ordered by the Postmaster-General to be — until ordered 

to be trans- 
transferred or paid out. ferred or paid 

Approved June 8, 1872. out 

The postmaster at Washington, and postmasters at cities where Deposits o f 

SUTD lUS P6V6- 

there is an assistant treasurer, shall deposit the postal revenues, nue and otber 
and all money accruing. at their offices, with such assistant treas- m0 ]jf§' M § 3848. 
urer, as often as once a week at least, and as much oftener as the See R. S., § 
Postmaster-General may direct. — at cities 

Approved June 8, 1872. urer! etc. ^^ 

Every postmaster shall promptly report to the Postmaster-Gen- Delinquen- 
eral every delinquency, neglect, or malpractice of the contractors. cie ^ - g § 3849 
their agents or carriers, which comes to his knowledge. — report of. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No postmaster, assistant postmaster, or clerk employed in any Postmasters 
post-office shall be a contractor or concerned in any contract for JJJJ? to m be°con- 
carrying the mail. ■ tra ^ t< g' s - § 3850 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No postmaster shall act as agent for any lottery office or, under Postmasters 
any color of purchase or otherwise, vend lottery tickets ; nor shall j^tery agents! 
he receive or send any lottery scheme, circular, or ticket free of R- S., § 3851. 
postage. For any violation of this section the offender shall be — penalty, 
liable to a penalty of fifty dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No postmaster shall, under any pretense whatever, have, receive, Postmasters 

or retain for himself, in the aggregate, more than the amount of m ore thim sll- 

his salary and his commission on the money-order business. * * * ar J ^ C °JJ[ 

Approved June 8, 1872. commissions al- 

lowed. 

R. S., § 3857. 

No person employed in the postal service shall receive anv fees . Employees 

' forbidden to re- 

or perquisites on account of the duties to be performed by virtue ceive fees from 

3858. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



of his appointment. PU r. 1 | 



The salary of a postmaster and such other expenses of the Deduction of 
postal service authorized by law as may be incurred by him, and peifses 8 & trom 
for which appropriations have been made, may be deducted out of re( g i] g % 3861 

the receipts of his office, under the direction of the Postmaster — -to be ' under 
r, i direction of 

Lreneiai. Postmaster- 

Approved June 8, 1872. General. 



28 

Vouchers for Vouchers for all deductions made by a postmaster out of the 

R. s., § 3862. receipts of his office, on account of the expenses of the postal 

£? ]?? S a U J?-" service, shall be submitted for examination and settlement to the 
mitted to Audi- ' 

for. Sixth Auditor, and no such deduction shall be valid unless found 

to be in conformity with law. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Allowances Whenever unusual business accrues at any post-office, the Post- 
s?stance 1C wiiere master-General shall make a special order allowing reasonable 

unusual busi- compensation for clerical service and a proportionate increase of 
ness accrues. L * * 

R. s., § 3863. salary to the postmaster during the time of such extraordinary 

business. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Discontinu- The Postmaster-General may discontinue any post-office where 
offices. P ° S tDe safety and security of the postal service and revenues are 

R. S., § 3864. endangered from any cause whatever, or where the efficiency of 
— to be certi- the service requires such discontinuance, and he shall promptly 
tied to Auditor. certify guch discontinuance to the Sixth Auditor. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Uniforms of The Postmaster-General may prescribe a uniform dress to be 
carriers 

R. S.,'§ 3867. worn by letter carriers, and any person not connected with the 

letter-carrier branch of the postal service who shall wear the uni- 
form which may be prescribed shall for every such offense be 
— penalty for punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or by 
fu!fy. mS ] ^ imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Street letter The Postmaster-General may establish, in places where letter 

R. S., § 3868. carriers are employed, and in other places where, in his judgment, 

the public convenience requires it, receiving boxes for the deposit 

of mail matter, and shall cause the matter deposited therein to be 

collected as often as public convenience may require. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Injuring let- Every person who willfully and maliciously injures, tears down, 

assaulting eai> or destroys any letter box, pillar box, or other receptacle estab- 

He R% s qsfiQ lislie ^ by tlie Postmaster-General for the safe deposit of matter for 

the mail or for delivery, or who willfully and maliciously assaults 

any letter carrier, when in uniform, while engaged on his route in 

the discharge of his duty as a letter carrier, and every person who 

willfully aids or assists therein, shall for every such offense be 

— penalty. punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, and not 

more than one thousand, or by imprisonment for not less than one 

year and not more than three. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Bonds of Every letter carrier shall give bonds, with sureties, to be ap- 
let R. r s.r§ r 3870. Ployed by the Postmaster-General, for the safe custody and deliv- 
ery of all mail matter, and the faithful account and payment of all 
money received by him. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



29 

The Postmaster-General, when the public convenience requires Branch post- 

offices 
it, may establish within any post-office delivery one or more branch r, g #j § 3871. 

offices for the receipt and delivery of mail matter and the sale of "ta^f i s^h e d*" 

stamps and envelopes ; and he shall prescribe the rules and regu- when. 

lations for the government thereof. But no letter shall be sent for 

delivery to any branch office contrary to the request of the party 

to whom it is addressed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



No extra postage or carriers' fees shall be charged or collected Extra post- 
?on any mail matter collected or delivered by carriers. ?iS.-s* fees pro- 

Approved June 8, 1872. . ^Hs*', § 3873 



All expenses of letter carriers, branch offices, and receiving Expenses of 

. , , , , , ,!,,!- t ± -, • j. carriers and 

boxes, or incident thereto, shall be kept and reported in a separate branch offices. 

account, and shall be shown in comparison with the proceeds from R - s -» § 3874. 
postage on local mail matter at each office, and the Postmaster- 
General shall be guided in the expenditures for this branch of 
the service by the income derived therefrom. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Mailable matter shall be divided into three classes : Mail matter, 

_.. , _ , division of. 

First Letters. r. s ., § 3875. 

Second. Regular printed matter. 

Third. Miscellaneous matter. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Mailable matter of the first class shall embrace all corre- Mail matter, 
spondence, wholly or partly in writing, except book manuscripts r. s., § 3876. 
and corrected proof sheets passing between authors and pub- 
lishers. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall furnish to the post-offices ex- Metric postaL 
changing mails with foreign countries, and to such other offices r. g. t § 3880. 
as he may deem expedient, postal balances denominated in grams ~t° h ^ ^ |^r- 
of the metric system, fifteen "grams of which shall be the equiva- change offices. 
lent, for postal purposes, of one-half ounce avoirdupois, and so on 
in progression. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may prescribe by regulation the manner Wrapping of 
of wrapping and securing for the mails all matter not /charged ma R ^ g.j^ssi. 
with letter postage, so that it may be conveniently examined by 
postmasters ; and if not so wrapped and secured, it shall be sub- 
ject to letter postage. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postmasters at the office of delivery may remove the wrappers Rating up 

and envelopes from mail matter not charged with letter postage, f e s a a r g J h a f ^ r 

when it can be done without destroving them, for the purpose of matter improp- 

erly rated, 

ascertaining whether there is upon or connected with any such R. S., § 3882. 

matter anything which would authorize or require the charge of 

a higher rate of postage thereon. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



30 

Wrapping No newspapers shall be received to be convey eel by mail unless 
and folding of ,. „, . ,. _ . ._ n . . 

publications, tney are sufficiently dried and inclosed in proper wrappers. 

et R. S., § 3883. Approved June 8, 1872. 

be^o^i 1 ! ied Postmasters shall notify the publisher of any newspaper, or 
when matter other periodical, when any subscriber shall refuse to take the 
R. S., § 3885. same from tlie office, or neglect to call for it for the period of one 
month. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Writing i n - Any person who shall inclose or conceal any letter, memoran- 
closed in mat- , ,, ... ., ,,.,,,,, 

ter of lower dum, ° 1 ' other thing m any mail matter not charged with letter 

Cl R S S § 3887 P° sta S e - or make any writing or memorandum thereon, or deposit 
or cause the same to be deposited for conveyance by mail at a less 
rate than letter postage, shall, for every such offense, be liable to 
—penalty. a pen alty of five dollars ; and such mail matter or inclosure shall 

not be delivered until the postage is paid thereon at letter rates. 
#r-exception. But no ex t ra postage shall be charged for a card printed or im- 
pressed upon an envelope or wrapper. 
Approved June S, 1872. 

Newspapers Contractors or mail carriers may convey, out of the mail, news- 
may be car- ,...,.• 
ried out of the papers for sale or distribution to subscribers. 

m R L S., § 3888. Approved June 8. 1872. 

Second-class The Postmaster-General may provide by order the terms upon 

R. S.*, § 3889. which railway postal clerks may receive from publishers or any 

Generai m m*a y news agents in charge thereof, and deliver the same as directed, if 

provide for re- presented and called for at the mail car or steamer, packages of 
ceipt and de- 

livery of, by newspapers and other periodicals not received from or intended 
postal clerks. fQ1 . delivery at any pos t-office. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Unlawful de- Any postmaster who shall unlawfully detain in his office any 

matte? by post- letter or other mail matter, the posting of which is not prohibited 

masters. ^^ ^y j aW) w | t jj intent to prevent the arrival and delivery of the 

same to the person to whom it is addressed, shall be punishable by 

— penalty. a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, and by imprisonment 

for not more than six months, and he shall be forever thereafter 

incapable of holding the office of postmaster. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

Detaining, Any person employed in any department of the postal service. 

stroying of let- who shall unlawfully detain, delay, or open any letter, packet, bag, 

in r poSafserv- or mail of otters intrusted to him, or which has come into his 

ice o o oom possession, and which was intended to be conveyed by mail, or 
R. S., § 3891. . _ 

carried or delivered by any mail carrier, mail messenger, route 

agent, letter carrier, or other person employed in any department 

of the postal service, or forwarded through or delivered from any 

post-office or branch post-office established by authority of the 

Postmaster-General ; or. who shall secrete, embezzle, or destroy 

any such letter, packet, bag, or mail of letters, although it does 

not contain any security for or assurance relating to money or 



31 

other thing of value, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than — penalty, 
five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than one 
year, or by both. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person who shall take any letter, postal card, or packet, Intercepting 
although it does not contain any article of value or evidence fetters * e ** n g 
thereof, out of a post-office or branch post-office, or from a letter R - s -> § 3892. 
or mail carrier, or which has been in any post-office or branch 
post-office or in the custody of any letter or mail carrier, before it 
has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed, with a Prying into 

SGCTGtS or oli 

design to obstruct the correspondence, or to pry into the business or struct'ing cor- 
secrets of another, or shall secrete, embezzle, or destroy the same, ^ sp t ^ nc ^ nc t e of 
shall, for every such offense, be punishable by a fine of not more 
than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment at hard labor for not penalty, 
more than one year, or by both. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

All letters, packets, or other matter which may be seized or Seized or de- 
detained for violation of law shall be returned to the owner or r, g #j § 3895'. 
sender of the same, or otherwise disposed of as the Postmaster- 
General may direct. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postage on all mail matter must be prepaid by stamps at the Prepayment 
time of mailing, unless herein otherwise provided for. r. s., f 3896. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

All mail matter deposited for mailing on which one full rate R. S., § 3898. 
of postage has been paid as required by law, shall be forwarded 
to its destination, charged with any portion of the proper postage 
which may be unpaid, to be collected on delivery. But if any mail 
matter, on which by law the postage is required to be prepaid 
at the mailing office, shall by inadvertance reach its destination 
without any prepayment, double the prepaid rates shall be 
charged and collected on delivery. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

If any postmaster, or other person authorized by the Post- Demand or 
master-General to receive the postage of letters, shall fraudulently fl^fuf postage! 
demand or receive any rate of postage, or gratuity, or reward, R - s -> § 3899. 
other than is provided by this act ( June 8, 1872, eh. 335 ; 17 
Stat. L., 283), for the postage of letters or packets, he shall be — penalty, 
punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No mail matter shall be delivered until the postage due thereon Collection of 
has been paid. ^ff.tsW 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No box at any post-office shall be assigned to the use of any Rent of boxes, 
person until the rent thereof has been paid for at least one quarter R ' S " ® 3901 - 
in advance, for which the postmaster shall give a receipt. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



32 

Letters of The Postmaster-General may provide by regulations for trans- 
mitted^ unpaid" mitting unpaid and duly certified letters of soldiers, sailors, and 
R. S., § 3902. mar i nes i n the service of the United States to their destination. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Drop letters, Letters commonly known as drop or local letters, delivered 
rate of postage ^ 

on. through the post-office or its carriers, shall be charged with post- 

5 '' * " age at the rate of two cents where the system of free delivery 

is established, and one cent where such system is not established, 

for each half ounce or fraction thereof. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Newspapers, The Postmaster-General may provide by regulations for carry- 
on Certain. age ing small newspapers, issued less frequently than once a week, in 
R. S., § 3907. packages to one address, from a known office of publication to 
regular subscribers, at the rate of one cent for each four ounces 
or fraction thereof. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Newspapers, Persons known as regular dealers in newspapers and periodicals 
quired %t regu- may receive and transmit by mail such quantities of either as they 
iar dealers on. ma y require, and pay the postage thereon as received, at the same 

Jtt. fc., § oyUo. 

rates pro rata as regular subscribers to such publications who 
pay quarterly in advance. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Third - class On mailable matter of the third class, except as herein stated, 
postage on. e ° postage shall be charged at the rate of one cent for each two 
R. S., § 39.10. ounces or fraction thereof. Double these rates shall be charged 
for books, samples of metals, ores, minerals, and merchandise. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Rates of The rate of United States postage on mail matter sent to or 
eign ag countr?es received from foreign countries with which different rates have 
not in Postal no t been established by postal convention or other arrangement, 

R. S., § 3912. when forwarded by vessels regularly employed in transporting the 

mail, shall be ten cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof on 

—may be re- letters, unless reduced by order of the Postmaster-General; two 

duced by P. M. 

Genl. cents each on newspapers, and not exceeding two cents per each 

two ounces, or fraction thereof, on pamphlets, periodicals, books, 
and other printed matter, which postage shall be prepaid on 
matter sent and collected on matter received; and to avoid loss 
to the United States in the payment of balances, the Postmaster- 
General may collect the unpaid postage on letters from foreign 
countries in coin or its equivalent. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Double post- All letters conveyed by vessels not regularly employed in carry- 
age on ship let- . ng tbe mail ghall ^ if for deliyery W ithin the United States, be 

R. S., § 3913. charged with double postage, to cover the fee paid to the vessel. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



33 

The Postmaster-General shall prepare postage stamps of suit- Postmaster- 
able denominations, which, when attached to mail matter, shall pare%*amps. re 
be evidence of the payment of the postage thereon. R - s -- § 3914 - 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall provide suitable letter and news- stamped en- 

vgIodgs etc 
paper envelopes, with such watermarks or other guards against r. s.,' § 3915. 

counterfeits as he may deem expedient, and with postage stamps 19 18 J^' /jjj 1 ? 

with such device and of such suitable denominations as he may 14,' l Sup p., 

110 ' 18 9 5 
direct impressed thereon ; and such envelopes shall be known as tTan ' ^2, ch. 23' 

" stamped envelopes," and shall be sold as nearly as may be at | 6 | 6 ' 2 Su PP-> 
the cost of procuring them, with the addition of the value of the — Postmaster - 
postage stamps impressed thereon; but no stamped envelope V ide? ia ° PU ° 
furnished by the Government shall contain any lithographing or ~*° he sold at 
engraving, nor any printing except a printed request to return the — not to con- 
letter to the writer. Letters and papers inclosed in such stamped except. *" 
envelopes shall, if the postage stamp is of a denomination sufficient 
to cover the postage properly chargeable thereon, pass in the mail 
as prepaid matter. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

To facilitate letter correspondence, and to provide for the trans- Postal cards. 

r g s 391Q 
mission in the mails, at a reduced rate of postage, of messages, ' '' 

orders, notices, and other short communications, either printed or 

written in pencil or ink, the Postmaster-General is authorized and Postmaster- 

directed to furnish and issue to the public, with postage stamps furnish. 

impressed upon them, " postal cards," manufactured of good stiff 

paper, of such quality, form, and size as he shall deem best adapted 

for general use ; which cards shall be used as a means of postal 

intercourse, under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the 

Postmaster-General, and when so used shall be transmitted 

through the mails at a postage charge of one cent each, including — to be sold at 

the cost of their manufacture. one cent apiece. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may, from time to time, adopt such Postmaster- 
improvements in postage stamps and stamped envelopes as he may adopt ^mp^ove 7 - 

deem advisable ; and when any such improvement is adopted it m . e n * s l *J 

stamps and 
shall be subject to all the provisions herein respecting postage stamped e n ■ 

stamps or stamped envelopes. Ve R P s!,' § 3917. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postage stamps and stamped envelopes shall be furnished by the Postage 

• m +- n iy» -t-\ a fl Tl fl 

Postmaster-General to all postmasters, and shall be kept for sale stamped en- 

at all post-offices; and each postmaster shall be held accountable velopes. 

a,, b., § oylo. 
for all such stamps and envelopes furnished to him. See R. S., § 

Approved June 8, 1872. £?J^ b e f u r - 

n i s h e d and 
kept for sale at 
all offices. 

Postage stamps affixed to all mail matter or the stamped envel- stamps to be 

opes in which the same is inclosed shall, when deposited for mail- de R 10 | d ) ' § 3921. 
ing or delivery, be defaced by the postmaster at the mailing office, 
in such manner as the Postmaster-General may direct ; and if any 
mail matter shall be forwarded without the stamps or envelopes 
0300—07 3 



34 

being so defaced, the postmaster at the office of delivery shall 

Report of de- deface them, and report the delinquent postmaster to the Post- 
linquent post- 
masters. master-General. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Unlawful re^ Any person employed in any branch of the postal service who 

stamps by per- shall willfully and unlawfully remove from any mail matter any 

service? postal postage stamp affixed thereto in payment of the postage, shall be 

R. s., § 3922. punishable bv a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or by 
— penalty. 

imprisonment for not more than six months. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Use, for post- Any person who shall use or attempt to use, in payment of the 
age, of stamps 
which h a v e postage on any mail matter conveyed by mail or otherwise, any 

used. b e ° ie Postage stamp or stamped envelope, or any stamp cut from any 

R. S., § 3923. such stamped envelope, which has been before used for a like pur- 

— penalty. posej shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Use. by per- If any person employed in any department of the Post-Office 

sTr vTc e ? S f or establishment of the United States shall willfully and knowingly 

stamps a which use ' 01 * cause to De used, in prepayment of postage, any postage 

have been be- stamp, postal cards or stamped envelope issued, or which may 

R, S., § 3924. hereafter be issued, by authority of any act of Congress, or of the 

Postmaster-General, which has already been once used for a like 

Removal o f purpose, or shall remove, or attempt to remove, the canceling or 

marks, etc. & defacing marks from any such postage stamp, or stamped envelope, 

or postal card, with intent to use or cause the use of the same a 

second time, or to sell, or offer to sell, the same, or shall remove 

from letters or other mail matter deposited in or received at a 

post-office the stamps attached to the same in payment of postage, 

with intent to use the same a second time for a like purpose, or to 

sell, or offer to sell, the same, every such offender shall be deemed 

— penalty. guilty of felony, v and shall be imprisoned for not less than one 

year nor more than three years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

^Use, for post- if airy person, although not employed in any department of the 
which have Post-Office establishment of the United States, shall commit any 
u S e ed n a b n e d f0 re e of the offenses described in the preceding section (R. S., § 3924), 

moval of can- every such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and 

celmg marks, 

etc. be punishable by imprisonment for not less than six months nor 

penalty more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred 

dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense, or by 

both. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

ment of svstem For tbe greater security of valuable mail matter the Postmaster- 
of registration. General may establish a uniform system of registration. But the 
Post-Office Department or its revenue shall not be liable for the 
loss of any mail matter on account of its having been registered. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



35 

Mail matter shall be registered only on tbe application of the Registration 

,,,-•., - , ,, -.of mail matter. 

party posting the same, and the tee therefor shall not exceed r, g t) § 3927. 

twenty cents in addition to the regular postage, to be in all cases jr£ n of ap *JarS 

prepaid ; and all such fees shall be accounted for in such manner mailing same. 

— fee for 
as the Postmaster-General shall direct. But letters upon the p ree regis- 

official business of the Post-Office Department which require regis- ^JffiSal postal 

tering shall be registered free of charge and pass through the matter. 

mails free of charge. 

Approved June S, 1872. 

A receipt shall be taken upon the delivery of any registered Return re- 
mail matter, showing to whom and when the same was delivered, r.'s., § 3928. 
which shall be returned to the sender, and be received in the f^om adlh^ssee 1 
courts as prima facie evidence of such delivery. — prima facie 

n -r o -.o-rt evidence of de- 

Approved June 8, 18(2. livery. 

The Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory to him Registered 
, . , ,. „ -, . . , . letters to lot- 

that any person is engaged 111 conducting a fraudulent lottery, teries, etc., 

gift enterprise, or scheme for the distribution of money or of any ^. ned be re ~ 
real or personal property by lot, chance, or drawing of any kind, R- S., § 3929. 
or in conducting any other scheme or device for obtaining money 
through the mails by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, rep- 
resentations, or promises, instruct postmasters at any post-office at 
which registered letters arrive directed to any such person to 
return all such registered letters to the postmasters at the offices 
at which they were originally mailed, with the word " fraudulent " 
plainly written or stamped upon the outside of such letters ; and 
all such letters so returned to such postmasters shall be toy them 
returned to the writers thereof, under such regulations as the 
Postmaster-General may prescribe. But nothing contained in this 
Title shall be so construed as to authorize any postmaster or other 
person to open any letter not addressed to himself. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General mav direct the publication of the list Advertising 

of nondelivered 
of non-delivered letters at any post-office by written list posted in letters. 

some public place, or, when he shall deem it for the public interest, R> S '' § 393 °- 
he may direct the publication of such list in the daily or weekly 
newspaper regularly published within the post-office delivery which 
has the largest circulation within such delivery ; and where no 
daily paper is published within the post-office delivery, such list — in daily or 
may be published in the daily newspaper of any adjoining delivery papers. news " 
having the largest circulation within the delivery of the post- 
office publishing the list ; and in case of dispute as to the circula- 
tion of competing newspapers, the postmaster shall receive evi- 
dence and decide upon the fact. Such list shall be published as — frequency of 
frequently as the Postmaster-General may deem proper, but not P UDhcatlon - 
oftener than once a week. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The list of non-delivered letters addressed to foreign-born per- Advertising 

, , ,. , -, . . , , . , , , , foreign letters. 

sons may be published m a newspaper printed m the language most r. s., § 3931. 

used by them, which shall be selected in the manner prescribed 

in the preceding section (R. S., § 3930). 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



36 

Free regis- Under such regulations as the Postmaster-General may pre- 
United states scribe, all postmasters are authorized to register in the manner 
redempt y ionand P rescribed h Y law, but without payment of any registration fee, 

new currency all letters containing fractional or other currency of the United 

tor currency 

redeemed. States, which shall be by them sent by mail to the Treasurer of 

R. S., § 3932. the united States for redemption ; and the postmaster at the city 
of Washington, in the District of Columbia, shall register in like 
manner, without charge, all letters containing new currency re- 
turned for currency redeemed, which shall be received by him from 
the Treasurer, in sealed packages, marked with the word " regis- 
ter " over the official signature of the said Treasurer. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Posting list Every postmaster shall .post, in a conspicuous place in his office, 
matter? rtlSed a CC W of each list of non-delivered letters immediately after its 
R. S., § 3933. publication. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Coinpensa- The compensation for publishing the list of non-delivered letters 
tising. shall in no case exceed one cent for each letter so published. 

— Utters. 8934 ' Approved June 8, 1872. 

Charge on All letters published as nondelivered shall be charged with one 
advertised 
matter. cent m addition to the regular postage, to be accounted for as part 

— ?ne S *'cent 98 m' of the postal revenue. 

addition to Approved June 8. 1872. 
postage. 

Detention of The Postmaster-General may regulate the period during which 
matter and 1 re- undelivered letters shall remain in any post-office, and when they 

turn to Dead- g^aii be returned to the Dead-Letter Office ; and he may make 
Letter Office. ' J 

r. s., § 3936. regulations for their return from the Dead-Letter Office to the 

writers when they can not be delivered to the parties addressed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Unpaid let- All domestic letters deposited in any post-office for mailing, on 
ter. 

R. S., § 3937. which the postage is wholly unpaid or paid less than one full rate 

as required by law, except letters lawfully free and duly certified 
— to be sent to letters of soldiers, sailors, and marines in the service of the United 
Office? except 6 F States, shall be sent by the postmaster to the Dead-Letter Office 

in Washington. * * * 

Insufficiently But in large cities and adjacent districts of dense population, 

Fetters. 1 r ° P having two or more post-offices within a distance of three miles of 

R. S., § 3937. e ach other, any letter mailed at one of such offices and addressed 
— to be tor- ^ 

warded when, to a locality within the delivery of another of such offices, which 

shall have been inadvertently prepaid at the drop or local letter 

rate of postage only, may be forwarded to its destination through 

the proper office, charged with the amount of the deficient postage,. 

to be collected on delivery. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Dead letters Dead letters containing valuable inclosures shall be registered 
uabl e n Tn clos- in the Dead-Letter Office ; and when they can not be delivered to 
m< R S § 3938 tne P art y addressed nor to the writer, the contents thereof shall 



37 

be disposed of, and a careful account shall be kept of the amount — record of. 

.. , . , .. . , „ , , . , ,. , — disposition 

realized in each case, -which shall be subject to reclamation by G f. 

either the party addressed or the sender for four years from the ^"Jy"^^^ 
registry thereof; and all other letters of value or of importance to claimed in 4 
the party addressed or to the writer, and which can not be 5< 
returned to either, shall be disposed of as the Postmaster-General im p e r tance t°o 
may direct. writer to be dis- 

- , o -.0-0 posed of as di- 

Approved June 8, 18 ( 2. rected. 

When the writer of any letter on which the postage is pre- Return re- 

ciuest letters 
paid shall indorse upon the outside thereof his name and address, r. s., § 3939. 

such letter shall not be advertised, but after remaining uncalled ^-teed! be ad " 
for at the office to which it is directed thirty days, or the time 
the writer may direct, shall be returned to him without addi- 
tional charge for postage, and if not then delivered shall be 
treated as a dead letter. 
Approved June S, 1872. 

Prepaid letters shall be forwarded from one post-office to Forwarding 
another, at the request of the party addressed, without additional r. s., § 394(X 
charge for postage. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may enter into contracts for carrying Postmaster- 
the mail, with railway companies, without advertising for bids contract witb 7 - 
therefor. ° n ut advertis- 

Approved June 8, 1872. R. R., § 3942. 

Proposals for carrying the mail shall be delivered sealed, and Delivery and 
so kept until the bidding is closed, and shall then be opened posais. 
and marked in the presence of the Postmaster-General, and one R- S- ' § 3944, 

of the Assistant Postmasters-General, or of two of the Assistant Before whom 

opened . 
Postmasters-General, or of any other two officers of the Depart- 
ment, to be designated by the Postmaster-General; and any Withdrawal 
bidder may withdraw his bid at any time before twenty-four ot P ro P° sa s - 
hours previous to the time fixed for the opening of proposals, by 
serving upon the Postmaster-General, or the Second Assistant 
Postmaster-General, notice in writing of such withdrawal. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall have recorded, in a book to be Bids to he 
kept for that purpose, a true and faithful abstract of all pro- preserved. & 
posais made to him for carrying the mail, giving the name of the R - s -> § 3948 - 
party offering, the terms of the offer, the sum to be paid, and the 
time the contract is to continue; and he shall put on file and 
preserve the originals of all such proposals. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

All contracts for carrying the mail shall be in the name of the Contracts in 

name of United 
United States, and shall be awarded to the lowest bidder ten- states. 

dering sufficient guarantees for faithful performance, without a'w a !■ f to 

other reference to the mode of transportation than may be neces- lowest bidder, 

sary to provide for the due celerity, certainty, and security 



38 

thereof; but the Postmaster-General shall not be bound to con- 
sider the bid of any person who has willfully or negligently failed 
to perform a former contract. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Comb in a- j^o contract for carrying the mail shall be made with any per- 
tions to pre- ■ s J * 

vent bidding, son who has entered, or proposed to enter, into any combination 

contracts to prevent the making of any bid for carrying the mail, or who 

w^b be e ^ Qade has made any agreement, or given or performed, or promised to 

entering. give or perform, any consideration whatever to induce any other 

person not to bid for any such contract ; and if any person so 

offending is a contractor for carrying the mail, his contract may 

—penalty for. be annulled; and for the first offense the person so offending shall 

be disqualified to contract for carrying the mail for five years, and 

for the second offense shall be forever disqualified. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

New sureties The Postmaster-General, whenever he may deem it consistent 
on mail con- . , J 

tracts. with the public interest, may accept new surety upon any contract 

. S., § 39oo. ex i s ting or hereafter made for carrying the mails, in substitution 

for and release of any existing surety. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

Contracts No contract for carrying the mail shall be made for a longer 
limited to four , ,, „ , , „ ,. ., 

years. term than four years, and no contract for carrying the mail on 

R. S., § 3956. tlle sea S hall be made for a longer term than two years. 
Approved June 8. 1872. 

Cbange in Whenever it becomes necessary to change the terms of an exist- 
tracts. ° f ° 0n m S contract for carrying the mail otherwise than as provided in 

R. S., § 3958. the preceding section (R. S., § 3957), notice thereof shall be given 
— how effected. 

and proceedings had thereon the same as at the letting of original 

contracts. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Payment on No person whose bid for carrying the mail is accepted shall 
R. S., § 3959. receive any pay until he has executed his contract according to 

'made t0 t'\ ^ aw an( ^ *k e regulations of the Department. 

contract is ex- Approved June 8, 1872. 

ecuted. 

Additional Compensation for additional service in carrying the mail shall 
ing Vi mail Carry not De in excess of the exact proportion which the original coin- 

R. S., § 3960. pensation bears to the original service ; and when any such addi- 
compensa- tional service is ordered, the sum to be allowed therefor shall be 

tion for. expressed in the order, and entered upon the books of the Depart- 

— no compen- 
sation for, un- ment ; and no compensation shall be paid for any additional regu- 
lar service rendered before the issuing of such order. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Expedition of No extra allowance shall be made for any increase of expedi- 

spi'viof* 

R. S.', § 3961. tion in carrying the mail unless thereby the employment of addi- 

— -w b en au- tional stock and carriers is made necessary, and in such case the 

-compensa- additional compensation shall bear no greater proportion to the 

additional stock and carriers necessarily employed than the com- 



39 

pensation in the original contract bears to the stock and carriers 
necessarily employed in its execution. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may make deductions from the pay of Deductions 

, and fines for 
contractors, for failures to perform service according to contract, failures and 

and impose fines upon them for other delinquencies. He may del jf s U ^§°3962 
deduct the price of the trip in all cases where the trip is not per- 
formed; and not exceeding three times the price if the failure be — authority 

for. 
occasioned by the fault of the contractor or carrier. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

No contractor for transporting the mails within or between the Assignment 
1 * of contracts 

United States and any foreign country shall assign or transfer his prohibited. 

■race QQfiQ 

contract, and all such assignments or transfers shall be null and " ' b * uo - 
void. 
Approved June 8. 1872. 

The following are established post-roads : Post-roads. 

R. S., § 3964. 
All the waters of the United States, during the time the mail —waters of 
. , ^ United States, 

is carried thereon. 

All railroads or parts of railroads which are now or hereafter —railroads. 

may be in operation. 

All canals, during the time the mail is carried thereon. — canals. 

All plank roads, during the time the mail is carried thereon. — plank roads. 

The road on which the mail is carried to supplv any court-house — roads to 
i-i , -^ -i a j.i -. " i • \ x, i • court-houses, 

which may be without a mail, and the road on which the mail is etc. 

carried under contract made by the Postmaster-General for ex- 
tending the line of posts to supply mails to post-offices not on any 
established route, during the time such mail is carried thereon. 

All letter-carrier routes established in any city or town for the — letter-carrier 
collection and delivery of mail matters. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall provide for carrying the mail on Postmaster- 

all post-roads established by law, as often as he, having due regard p^v^de for 

to productiveness and other circumstances, mav think proper. carrying mail 

' " L L on post-roads. 

Approved June 8, 1872. r. s., § 3965. 

The Postmaster-General shall cause a mail to be carried from County seats 
the nearest post-office on any established post-road to the court- witn e maiL P * 
house of any county in the United States which is without a mail. R - s -' § 3966. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General mav contract for carrving the mail on Carrying the 

mail on canal? 



the navigable canals of the several States, when, in his opinion, r. s., § 3967. 
e public interest or con 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



the public interest or convenience requires it. contracts. 



The Postmaster-General may contract for carrying the mail on Carrying the 
any. plank road in the United States when the public interest or Joads. 011 P & 
convenience requires it. ?" S'+f a 3 ?? 8 * 

— c on ii d c i o 

Approved June 8, 1872. for. 



40 

Carriage of The Postmaster-General may cause the mail to be carried in any 
boat or vessel, steamboat or other vessel used as a packet on any of the waters 
R. S., § 3969. of the Un ited States. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Mail service The Postmaster-General may, if he deem it for the public inter- 
in steamships "" * 
between United est, make contracts for any period not exceeding one year, for 

R. e s., P §°3970. carrying the mails in steamships between any of the ports of the 
—contracts United States, 
for. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

mail m to °offlces Tlae Postmaste r-General may enter into contracts for extending 
not on estab- the line of posts to supply mails to post-offices not on any estab- 
1S R 6 Sm T^El'l. lished route, and, as a compensation for carrying the mail under 
tion°?o ^a 3 ?- sucl1 contracts, ma y allow not exceeding two-thirds of the salary 
riers. ' paid to the postmaster at such special offices. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Change o f The Postmaster-General may change the terminus of post-roads 
post™oa<fif ° connecting with or intersecting railways when the service can be 
R. S., § 3973. thereby improved. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Disc on tin- Whenever, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, the postal 
uance of serv- , , „ . , . , ,, „ , . ,. 

ice on any road, service can not be safely continued, the revenues collected, or the 

R. S., § 3974. j aws maintained on any post-road, he may discontinue the service 

on such road or any part thereof until the same can be safely 

restored. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Contractsfor The Postmaster-General may, when he deems it advisable, con- 

of mail to and tract for the transportation of the mails to and from any post- 

from post-offi- on ^ ce . ^ u t where such service is performed over a route not 

R. S., § 3975. established by law, he shall report the same to Congress at its 

meeting next thereafter, and such service shall cease at the end 

of the next session of Congress, unless such route is established a 

post-route by Congress. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Letters on The master of any steamboat passing between ports or places 

Ste R m s° i § t 3977 in tne United States, and arriving at any such port or place 

— promptness where there is a post-office, shall deliver to the postmaster, within 

m delivery of. three hours after his arrival, if in the daytime, and if at night, 

within two hours after the next sunrise, all letters and packets 

brought by him, or within his power or control and not relating 

— compensa- to the cargo, addressed to or destined for such port or place, for 

tion for car- & L 

riage of. which he shall receive from the postmaster two cents for each 

letter or packet so delivered, unless the same is carried under a 
fTnur^to de r contract for carrying the mail ; and for every failure to so deliver 
liver. such letters and packets, the master or owner of the steamboat 

shall be liable to a penalty of one bunded and fifty dollars. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



41 

The Postmaster-General may pay, to the master or owner of Compensa- 
, , . . ., , , tion for ear- 

any vessel not regularly employed in carrying the mail, two cents nage of ship 

for each letter carried by such vessel between ports or places let ^ r g j § 3 978 . 

in the United States, or from any foreign port to any port in 

the United States; but all such letters shall be deposited in the 

post-office at the port of arrival. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person who shall paint, print, or in any manner place Printing up- 

J L r . on vessels, ve- 

upon or attach to any steamboat or other vessel, or any stage- nicies, etc., 

coach or other vehicle, not actually used in carrying the mail, the man, 1 " 6 

words " United States mail," or any words, letters, or characters R« S., § 3979. 

of like import; or any person who shall give notice, by publishing p^icaTi^n 

in any newspaper or otherwise, that any steamboat or other vessel, that vessel or 

, ,, 1 . , . , . , T ., vehicle is used 

or any stage-coach or other vehicle, is used in carrying the mail, in transporting 

when the same is not actually so used ; or any person willfully mail - 

aiding or abetting therein, shall, for every such offense, be pun- — penalty. 

ishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more 

than five hundred dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Every route agent, postal clerk, or other carrier of the mail Carriers to 
, ,, . ., Li j. -, j. -. • i receive and de- 

shall receive any mail matter presented to him, if properly pre- p0S it properly 

paid by stamps, and deliver the same for mailing at the next p ^g 1 ^ te ^to 

post-office at which he arrives, but no fees shall be allowed him them. 

XL R. S., § 3980. 

therefor. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person concerned in carrying the mail, who shall collect, Illegal carry- 

• , ^ t x «, in §' of mail °y 

receive, or carry any letter or packet, or cause or procure the carriers and 
same to be done, contrary to law, shall, for every such offense, be otl ^ 1 |' § 3981. 
punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars. Penalty. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

No person shall establish any private express for the conveyance Conveyance 
of letters or packets, or in any manner cause or provide for the °£ ^ivaTe^S 
conveyance of the same by regular trips or at stated periods, over press forbid- 
any post route which is or may be established by law, or from any r. g.. § 3982. 
city, town, or place to any other city, town, or place between which 
the mail is regularly carried ; and every person so offending, or penalty, 
aiding or assisting therein, shall for each offense be liable to a 
penalty of one hundred and fifty dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The owner of every stagecoach, railway car, steamboat, or other Transporta- 
vehicle or vessel, which shall, with the knowledge of any owner, J^Sf/fuffy 
in whole or in part, or with the knowledge or connivance of the conveying mail 
driver, conductor, master, or other person having charge of the r. s., § 3983. 
same, convey any person acting or employed as a private express 
for the conveyance of letters or packets, and actually in possession 
of the same for the purpose of conveying them, contrary to the 
spirit, true intent, and meaning of this Title (meaning Revised 
Statutes, Title XLVI, " The Postal Service "), shall, for every such 
offense, be liable to a penalty of one hundred and fifty dollars. Penalty. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



42 

Transmission No person shall transmit by private express or other unlawful 
of letters by . , ■ ' , 

private ex- means, or deliver to any agent of such unlawful express, or de- 

den SS forbld " posit, or cause to be deposited, at any appointed place for the pur- 
It. S., § 3984. pose of being transmitted, any letter or packet ; and for every such 
Penalty. offense the party offending shall be liable to a penalty of fifty 

dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Illegal carry- No stagecoach, railway car, steamboat, or other vehicle or ves- 

outsideof mail, sel which regularly performs trips at stated periods on any post 

R. S., § 3985. rou te, or from any city, town, or place to any other city, town, or 

place between which the mail is regularly carried, shall carry, 

—except. otherwise than in the mail, any letters or packets, except such as 

relate to some part of the cargo of such steamboat or other vessel, 

or to some article carried at the same time by the same stagecoach, 

railway car, or other vehicle, except as provided in section three 

Penalty on thousand nine hundred and ninety-three (R. S.) ; and for every 
owner. 

such offense the owner of the stagecoach, railway car, steamboat, 

or other vehicle or vessel shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred 

Penalty on dollars ; and the driver, conductor, master, or other person having 

driver. ' 1 & 

charge thereof, and not at the time owner of the whole or any part 

thereof, shall for every such offense be liable to a penalty of fifty 

dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

tei?out in f th" No P erson sna11 carry any letter or packet on board any vessel 

mail on board which carries the mail otherwise than in such mail, except as pro- 

R. S.', § 3986. vided in section three thousand nine hundred and ninety-three 

Penalty. (r g ) • an( j f or every such offense the party offending shall be 

liable to a penalty of fifty dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Carriage by ^q vessel departing from the United States for any foreign port 
vessels of mail . 

not received shall receive on board or convey any letter or packet originating 

forWdden." 05506 in the United States which has not been regularly received from 

R. S., § 3987. the post-office at the port of departure, and which does not relate 

to the cargo of such vessel, except as provided in section three 

thousand nine hundred and ninety-three (of the Revised Stat- 

port to°requfre utes) ; and every collector, or other officer of the port empowered 

oath of master to grant clearances, shall require from the master of such vessel, 

of vessel not to 

violate this sec- as a condition of clearance, an oath that he has not received on 

board, has not under his care or control, and will not receive or 

convey any letter or packet contrary to the provisions of this 

section. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Vessels not No vessel arriving within any port or collection district of the 

until lettersVre United States shall be allowed to make entry or break bulk until 

posVoffLe 6 d at a11 otters on board are delivered at the nearest post-office, and the 

R. S., § 3988. master thereof has signed and sworn to the following declaration 

before the collector or other proper customs officer : 

Oath. " I, A B, master of the — — — , arriving from , and now 

lying in the port of , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that 

I have, to the best of my knowledge and belief, delivered, at the 



43 

post-office at . every letter, and every bag, packet, or parcel 

of letters which were on board the said vessel during her last 
voyage, or which were in my possession or under my power or 
control." 

And any master who shall break bulk before he has delivered Penalty for 
such letters shall be liable to a penalty of not more than one hun- beforeifelivery. 
dred dollars, recoverable, one half to the officer making the seizure 
and the other to the use of the United States. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any special agent of the Post-Office Department, when in- Agents of 

T~) p ns i* t" m pti t 

structed by the Postmaster-General to make examinations and an( j customs 

seizures, and the collector or other customs officer of any port, collectors a u - 

J L ' thonzed to 
without special instructions, shall carefully search all vessels for search vessels 

letters which may be on board or which have been conveyed con- |u re s ma 6 

trary to law. R- S-, § 3989. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any special agent of the Post-Office Department, collector or Agents of 
other customs officer, or United States marshal or his deputy, may collectors may 
at all times seize all letters and bags, packets, or parcels contain- fjJter? 1 'etc t& ih 
ing letters which are being carried contrary to law on board any legally carried. 

R. S., § 3990. 
vessel or on any post route, and convey the same to the nearest 

post-office, or may, by the direction of the Postmaster-General or 
Secretary of the Treasury, detain them until two months after Period of de- 
the final determination of all suits and proceedings which may, at 
any time within six months after such seizure, be brought against 
any person for sending or carrying such letters. 
Approved June 8. 1872. 

Every package or parcel seized by any special agent of the Post- Seized pack- 
Office Department, collector, or other customs officer, or United fy GS containing 
States marshal or his deputies, in which any letter is unlawfully forfeited to the 
concealed, shall be forfeited to the United States, and the same United states. 
proceedings may be had to enforce the forfeiture as are authorized Proceedings 
in respect to goods, wares, and merchandise forfeited for violation 
of the revenue laws : and all laws for the benefit and protection 
of customs officers making seizures for violating revenue laws 
shall apply to officers making seizures for violating the postal laws. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit the con- Transmission 

j. , j. i,i i ^ of letters with- 

veyance or transmission of letters or packets by private hands ou t corupensa- 

without compensation, or by special messenger employed for the J}™* o^^ioSs" 

particular occasion only. R. S., § 3992. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

All letters inclosed in stamped envelopes, if the postage stamp When letters 

is of a denomination sufficient to cover the postage that would be ™\ X \ of^the 

chargeable thereon if the same were sent by mail, may be sent, ma T i 1 - c , e onno 

jbv. o., s oyyo. 

conveyed, and delivered otherwise than by mail, provided such — i n stamped 
envelope shall be duly directed and properly sealed, so that the enve opes * 
letter can not be taken therefrom without defacing the envelope, 
and the date of the letter or of the transmission or receipt thereof 



to enforce for- 
feiture. 



44 

Suspension of shall be written or stamped upon the envelope. But the Post- 
this section. , _, _ , , . „ _,_, . 

master-General may suspend the operation of this section upon any- 
mail route where the public interest may require such suspension. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Obstructing Any person who shall knowingly and willfully obstruct or retard 
the mails. ,_ . ,, .. , , . 

R. S., § 3995. the passage of the mail, or any carriage, horse, driver, or carrier 

— penalty. carrying the same, shall, for every such offense, be punishable by 

a fine of not more than one hundred dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Delaying Any ferryman who shall delay the passage of the mail by willful 
R. S., § 3996. neglect or refusal to transport the same across any ferry shall, for 
— penalty. every ten minutes such mail may be so delayed, be liable to a 

penalty of ten dollars. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Railroad The Postmaster-General shall arrange the railway routes on 
classified. which the mail is carried, including those in which the service is 

R. S., § 3997. partly by railway and partly by steamboat, into three classes, 
according to the size of the mails, the speed at which they are 
carried, and the frequency and importance of the service, so that 
each railway company shall receive, as far as practicable, a pro- 
portionate and just rate of compensation, according to the service 
performed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Transport a- if the Postmaster-General is unable to contract for carrying the 
tion of mail by .. , ,. ,, 

other means mail on any railway route at a compensation not exceeding the 

when rates^e^ maxmium rates herein provided, or for what he may deem a rea- 
manded exceed sonable and fair compensation, he may separate the letter mail 
R. S., § 3999. from the other mail, and contract, either with or without adver- 
tising, for carrying such letter mail by horse express or otherwise, 
at the greatest speed that can reasonably be obtained, and for 
carrying the other mail in wagons, or otherwise, at a slower rate 
of speed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Mail t o b e Every railway company carrying the mail shall carry on any 
train. train which may run over its road, and without extra charge 

R. S., § 4000. therefor, all mailable matter directed to be carried thereon, with 
the person in charge of the same. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Land-grant All railway companies to which the United States have fur- 

R. S., § 4001. nished aid by grant of lands, right of way, or otherwise, shall 

tion°to be fixed carry the mail at such prices as Congress may by law provide; 

by Congress. an( j uu til such price is fixed by law, the Postmaster-General may 
— by Postmas- ' L J ' J 

ter- General fix the rate of compensation, 
when Congress Approyed June 8? 18?2> 

Transport a- rj^g Postmaster-General, after advertising for proposals, may 
tion or domes- 
tic mails enter into contracts or make suitable arrangements for transport- 

eign U countSes" ing the mail through any foreign country, between any two points 
R. S., § 4006. in the United States, and such transportation shall be by the 



45 

speediest, safest, and most economical route ; and all contracts 
therefor may be revoked whenever any new road or canal shall be 
opened affording a speedier, more economical, and equally safe 
transportation between the same points ; but in case of the revo- 
cation of any such contract, a fair indemnity shall be awarded to 
the contractor. 

Approved June S, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may, after advertising for proposals, Transporting 
enter into contracts for the transportation of the mail between the united states 
United States and any foreign country whenever the public inter- c ^ in \ rie g 0ieign 
ests will thereby be promoted. R. S., § 4007. 

Approved June 8. 1872. 

The mail between the United States and any foreign port, or Foreign 
between ports of the United States touching at a foreign port, r. & s., § 4008. 
shall be transported in steamships ; but the Postmaster-General ~J?^j trans- 
may have such transportation performed by sailing vessels when 
the service can be facilitated thereby. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

For transporting the mail between the United States and any Compensa- 
foreign port, or between ports of the United States touching at a potation* & o S f 
foreign port, the Postmaster-General may allow as compensation, foreign mails. 
if by a United States steamship, any sum not exceeding the sea 
and United States inland postage ; and if by a foreign steamship 
or by a sailing vessel, any sum not exceeding the sea postage on 
the mail so transported. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may impose fines on contractors for Fines on con- 
transporting the mail between the United States and any foreign foreign 5 mails 1 * 
country for any unreasonable or unnecessary delay in the depart- R - s -' § 4010. 
lire of such mail or the performance of the trip; but the fine for — maximum 
any one default shall not exceed one-half the contract price for amount of - 
the trip. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Every contract for transporting the mail between the United Discontinu- 
States and any foreign country shall contain, besides the usual e -ign mail 
stipulation for the right of the Postmaster-General to discontinue contracts tatl0n 
the same, the further stipulation that it may be terminated by R. S., § 4011. 
Congress. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may, by and with the advice and con- Transpo r t a- 
sent of the President, make any arrangements which may be un?ted ^Stat'es 

deemed just and expedient for allowing the mails of Canada or ° f E ? ails °| 
1 & Canada and 

any other country adjoining the United States to be transported countries ad- 
Over the territory of the United States from one point in such united 1 ^tates^ 
country to any other point in the same at the expense of the R - s -> § 4012 - 
country to which the mail belongs upon obtaining a like privilege 
for the transportation of the United States mail through the 



46 

Withdrawal country to which the privilege is granted; but such privilege may 
of privilege 

at any time be annulled by the President or Congress from and 

after one month succeeding the day on which notice of the act 

of the President or Congress is given to the chief executive or 

head of the post-office department of the country whose privilege 

is to be annulled. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

For e.ign Every foreign mail shall, while being transported across the ter- 
transit across ritory of the United States under the provisions of the preceding 
United °St y ates f &ection (R - s -> § 4012), be deemed and taken to be a mail of the 

r. S., § 4013. United States, so far as to make anv violation thereof, or depreda- 
— to be deemed , . , . „ ,,. , ,, 

mail of United tion thereon, or offense m respect thereto, or any part thereof, an 

States. offense of the same grade, and punishable in the same manner and 

— punishment to the same extent as though the mail was a mail of the United 

against. States ; and in any indictment for any such offense, the mail, or 

any part thereof, may be alleged to be, and on the trial of any 

such indictment it shall be deemed and held to be, a mail or 

part of a mail of the United States. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Consuls may The Postmaster-General or the Secretary of State is hereby au- 

postage in cer- thorized to empower the consuls of the United States to pay the 

tain cases on foreign postage on such letters destined for the United States as 

m 3, 1 1 g r ioi' 

United States may be detained at the ports of foreign countries for the nonpay- 

efgn^xn-ts for ^ent of postage, which postage shall be by the consul marked as 

want of post- p a id by him. and the amount thereof shall be collected in the 
age. i j 

R. S., § 4014. United States as other postage, on the delivery of the letters, and 
repaid to said consul, or credited on his account at the State 
Department. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Retaliatory The p 0S tmaster-General, under the direction of the President of 
postage on cer- 
tain foreign the United States, is hereby authorized and empowered to charge 

R. S.', § 4015. UP 011 , an d collect from, all letters and other mailable matter car- 
ried to and from any port of the United States, in any foreign 
imposed. may 6 Packet ship or other vessel, the same rate or rates of charge for 
American postage which the government to which such foreign 
packet or other vessel belongs imposes upon letters and other mail- 
able matter conveyed to or from such foreign country in American 
packets or other vessels as the postage of such government, and 
at any time to revoke the same ; and all custom-house officers and 
other United States agents designated or appointed for that pur- 
pose shall enforce or carry into effect the foregoing provision, and 
open 1 packages^ ai( l or assist in the collection of such postage, and to that end it 
when, shall be lawful for such officers and agents, on suspicion of fraud, 

tct open and examine, in the presence of two or more respectable 
persons, being citizens of the United States, any package or pack- 
ages supposed to contain mailable matter found on board such 
packets or other vessels or elsewhere, and to prevent, if neces- 
sary, such packets or other vessels from entering, breaking bulk, or 
making clearance until such letters or other mailable matter are 
duly delivered into the United States post-office. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



47 

All letters or other mailable matter conveyed to or from any Foreign ves- 

„ ,, TT ., , _,, , „ , , , sels carrying 

part of the United States by any foreign vessel, except such ma n t o or 

sealed letters, relating to such vessel, or any part of the cargo fr r 11 g U- s^oie 
thereof, as may be directed to the owners or consignees of the 
vessel, shall be subject to postage-charge, whether addressed Postage to 
to any person in the United States or elsewhere, provided they l 
are conveyed by the packet or other ship of a foreign country 
imposing postage on letters or mailable matter conveyed to or 
from such country by any vessel of the United States ; and such 
letters or other mailable matter carried in foreign vessels, ex- 
cept such sealed letters, relating to the vessel, or any part of 
the cargo thereof, as may be directed to the owners or consignees, 

shall be delivered into the United States post-office by the master . M , a i ! ' how 

treated on ar- 
of such vessel when arriving, and be taken from a United States rival, etc. 

post-office when departing, and the postage paid thereon, justly 
chargeable by this Title [XLVI, R. S.], and for refusing or 
failing to do so, or for conveying such letters or any letters in- 
tended to be conveyed in any vessel of such foreign country 
over or across the United States, or any portion thereof, the Penalty for 
party offending shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Jtatute ° f 

one thousand dollars for each offense. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may employ two special agents for the R. S., § 4017. 
Pacific coast, and such number of other special agents as the 
good of the service and the safety of the mail may require. Such 
agents shall be entitled to a salary at the rate of not more than 
one thousand six hundred dollars a year each, and shall each 
be allowed for traveling and incidental expenses, while actually em- 
ployed in the service, a sum not exceeding five dollars a day. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Whenever a special agent is required to collect or disburse any Bonds of in- 

ST)6CtOI*S 

public money, he shall, before entering upon such duty, give r, s <? § 4018. 

bond in such sum and form, and with such security as the Post when must 

master-General may approve. e glven - 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may employ, when the service requires Department 
it, the Assistant Postmasters-General and superintendents in his inspector^ 7 
Department as special agents ; and he may allow them therefor R - s -> § 4019 - 
not exceeding the amount expended by them as necessary travel- expenses of. 
ing expenses while so employed. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may establish resident mail agencies Agencies in 
at the ports of Panama and Aspinwall, in New Granada ; Havana, t?Jes lgn coun " 
in Cuba ; at St. Thomas, and at such other foreign ports at which R. S., § 4021. 
United States mail steamers touch to land and receive mails as 
may, in his judgment, promote the efficiency of the foreign mail 
service ; and may pay the agents employed by him at such ports, Agents, 
out of the appropriation for transportation of the mail, a reason- 
able compensation for their services, and the necessary expenses — expenses of. 



48 

for office rent, clerk hire, office furniture, and other incidentals, 
to be allowed him at each of such agencies. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Agents on The Postmaster-General may appoint an agent in charge of 
ocean steamers. ,, ., „ J l & ■ &^ 

. R. s., § 4022. the mail on board of each of the mail steamers on the routes 

routes. W h a * between San Francisco, Japan, and China ; between San Francisco 

and Honolulu, in the Hawaiian Islands, and between New York 

and Rio Janeiro, who shall be allowed, out of the appropria- 

— compensa- tion for transportation of the mail, a salary of two thousand dol- 
tion of. . J 

lars a year. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Agency in Tne Postmaster-General may establish, in connection with the 

pan na ° r Ja mail " stea mship service to Japan and China, a general postal 

R. S., § 4023. agency at Shanghai, in China, or at Yokohama, in Japan, with 

' such branch agencies at any other ports in China and Japan as he 

shall deem necessary for the prompt and efficient management 

of the postal service in those countries ; and he may pay the 

Agents. postal agents employed thereat a reasonable compensation for 

— expenses of. their services, in addition to the necessary expenses for rent, 

furniture, clerk hire, and incidental expenses. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postal clerks, The Postmaster-General may appoint clerks for the purpose of 
appom men assor tmg an(i distributing the mail in railway post-offices, each 
R. S., § 4025. f w hom shall be paid, out of the appropriation for transportation 
of the mail, a salary at the rate of not more than one thousand 
four hundred dollars a year each to the head clerks, nor more 
than one thousand two hundred dollars a year each to the other 
clerks. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Officers of The Postmaster-General may, by a letter of authorization under 
partment e may llis nan( i> to be filed among the records of his Department, em- 
be specially au- pow er any special agent or other officer of the Post-Office Estab- 
thonzed to,., , _, 

make searches, lishment to make searches for mailable matter transported in 

Jf ^Jy caj : violation of law ; and the agent or officer so authorized may open 

or vehicle. and search any car or vehicle passing, or having lately before 

passed, from any place at which there is a post-office of the United 
States to any other such place, or any box, package, or packet, 
— of store or being, or having lately before been, in such car or vehicle, or any 
store or house, other than a dwelling house, used or occupied by 
any common carrier or transportation company, in which such 
box, package, or packet may be contained, whenever such agent or 
officer has reason to believe that mailable matter, transported 
contrary to law, may therein be found. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Authority To promote public convenience, and to insure greater security in 

ment of money- the transfer of money through the mail, the Postmaster-General 

order|ystem^ may establish and maintain, under such rules and regulations as 

he may deem expedient, a uniform money-order system, at all 

"Money- suitable post-offices, which shall be designated as " money-order 
order offices." „ „ 
offices." 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



49 

The Postmaster-General may conclude arrangements with the F o r e i g n 
. -, .. .c .,, , . , , , money - order 

post departments ot foreign governments, with which postal con- exchanges. 

ventions have been, or may be, concluded, for the exchange, by R - s -> § 4028. 
means of postal orders, of small sums of money, not exceeding fifty 
dollars in amount, at such rates of exchange, and compensation to 
postmasters, and under such rules and regulations as he may deem 
expedient ; and the expenses of establishing and conducting snch 
system of exchange may be paid out of the proceeds of the money- 
order business. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



The postmaster of every city where branch post-offices or stations Issue of 
are established and in operation, subject to his supervision, is ™ t ° ^anch ' d of- 
authorized, under the direction of the Postmaster-General, to issue, 



„. S., § 4029. 
or to cause to be issued, by any of his assistants or clerks in charge 

of branch post-offices or stations, postal money orders, payable 

at his own or at any other money-order office, or at any branch 

post-office or station of his own, or of any other money-order — accountabil- 

office, as the remitters thereof may direct ; and the postmaster and received™? rom! 

his sureties shall, in every case, be held accountable upon his 

official bond for all moneys received by him or his designated 

assistants or clerks in charge of stations, from the issue of money 

orders, and for all moneys which may come into his or their hands, 

or be placed in his or their custody by reason of the transaction 

by them of money-order business. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any postmaster who issues a money order without having pre- Issuing 
viously received the money therefor shall be deemed guilty of a on^credit 1 * 

misdemeanor, and shall be fined not less than fifty nor more than penalty 4030 ' 

five hundred dollars. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

In case of the sickness or unavoidable absence from his office of Performance 
the postmaster of any money-order post-office, he may, with the m g absence of 
approval of the Postmaster-General, authorize the chief clerk, or pO R D g ast s e 403i 
some other clerk employed therein, to act in his place, and to dis- — at money-or- 

dpi* ofliops 

charge all the duties required by law of such postmaster ; and the 

official bond given by the principal of the office shall be held to 

cover and apply to the acts of the person appointed to act in his 

place in such cases ; and such acting officer shall, for the time Liability o f 

being, be subject to all the liabilities and penalties prescribed by P ° S 

law for the official misconduct in like cases of the postmaster for 

whom he shall act. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall supply money-order offices with Blank appli- 
blank forms of application for money orders, which each appli- money orders. 1 ' 
cant shall fill up with his name, the name and address -of the R - s -> § 403 3- 
party to whom the order is to be paid, the amount and the date 
of application ; and all such applications shall be preserved by 
the postmaster receiving them for such time as the Postmaster- 
General may prescribe. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

6300—07 4 



50 

Special forms The Postmaster-General shall furnish money-order offices with 
ders. m ° r printed or engraved forms for money orders, and no order shall 

R. S., § 4034. be yajid unless it be drawn upon such form. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Advices — The postmaster issuing a money order shall send a notice 
01 r!sV§ 4035. thereof by mail, without delay, to the postmaster on whom it is 
drawn. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Money order No money 'order shall be valid and payable unless presented to 
Va R. sTI 4036. the postmaster on whom it is drawn within one year after its 
date ; but the Postmaster-General, on the application of the re- 
New order m itter or payee of any such order, may cause a new order to be 
thereafter. issued in lieu thereof. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Changes o r After a money order has been issued, if the purchaser desires to 
money Ca orders nave it: modified or changed, the postmaster who issued the order 
after issue. shall take it back and issue another in lieu of it, for which a new 
* fee shall be exacted. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Repayment The postmaster issuing a money order shall repay the amount of 
upon applica- . J l J 

tion of remit- IT upon the application of the person who obtained it, and the 

te R. S., § 4039. returu of the order ; but the fee paid for it shall not be returned. 

Fee n o t to Approved June 8, 1872. 
be returned. 

Repl a c i n g Whenever a money order has been lost, the Postmaster-General, 
lost money or- U p on the application of the remitter or payee of such order, may 
R. s., § 4040. cause a duplicate thereof to be issued, without charge, providing 
the party losing the original shall furnish a certificate from the 
postmaster by whom it was payable that it has not been, and will 
not thereafter be paid; and a similar certificate from the post- 
master by whom it was issued that it has not been and will not 
thereafter be repaid. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Money orders The Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory to him 
etc., payment that any person is engaged in conducting any fraudulent lottery, 
Dendecf be SUS ~ g *^ en terprise, or scheme for the distribution of money, or of any 
R. S., § 4041. real or personal property, by lot, chance, or drawing of any kind, 
or in conducting any other scheme or device for obtaining money 
through the mails by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, rep- 
resentations, or promises, forbid the payment, by any postmaster, 
tc any such person of any postal money order drawn to his order 
or in his favor, and may provide by regulations for the return, to 
the remitter, of the sums named in such money orders. But this 
shall not authorize any person to open any letter not addressed to 
himself. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Payments All payments and transfers to and from money-order offices shall 
o/money^rder be under the direction of the Postmaster-General. He may trans- 
fU R d s $ 4042 fer money-order funds from one postmaster to another, and from 



51 

the postal revenue to the money-order funds, and he may transfer —to be under 
money-order funds to creditors of the Department, to be replaced Po^Vmaster- 
by equivalent transfers from the postal revenues. General. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may transfer to the postmaster at any Transfers by 

money-order office, by warrant on the Treasury, countersigned by warrant from 

* •" ° postal reve- 

the Sixth Auditor, and payable out of the postal revenues, such nues to mon- 

sum as may be required over and above the current revenues at C0U nt. 

his office to pay the money orders drawn upon him. R - s » § 404 ^ 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General shall require each postmaster at a Money-order 
money-order office to render to the Post-Office Department weekly, ^ nds ' report 
semiweekly. or daily accounts of all money orders issued and R - S-, § 4044. 
paid ; of all fees received for issuing them ; of all transfers and 
payments made from money-order funds ; and of all money re- 
ceived to be used for the payment of money orders or on account 
of money-order business. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

All money received for the sale of money orders, including all Money-order 
fees thereon, all money transferred from the postal revenues to r S g « 4945 
the money-order funds, all nioney transferred or paid from the 
money-order funds to the service of the Post-Office Department, 
and all money-order funds transferred from one postmaster to — to be consid- 
another, shall be deemed and taken to be money-order funds and tn? d T?easmry. n 
money in the Treasury of the United States. And it shall be the 
duty of the assistant treasurer of the United States to open, at the 
request of the Postmaster-General, an account of " money-order 
funds " deposited by postmasters to the credit of the Postmaster- 
General and of drafts against the amount so deposited, drawn by 
him and countersigned by the Sixth Auditor. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Postmasters at money-order offices may be allowed, as compen- Money-order 

sation for issuing and paving monev orders, not exceeding one- business — com- 
b L " b ' & pensation t o 

third of the whole amount of fees collected on orders issued, and postmasters. 

one-fourth of one per centum on the gross amount of orders paid ' ^ 

at their respective offices, provided such compensation, together 
with the postmaster's salary, shall not exceed four thousand dol- 
lars per annum, except in the case of the postmaster at New York 
City. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The accounts of the postal service shall be kept in such a man- Manner of 
ner as to exhibit separately the amount of revenue derived from keeping ac- 
the following sources respectively : CO r^ g^ § 4049. 

First. Letter postage. _ what ' to ^ 

Second. Book, newspaper, and pamphlet postage. hibit. 

Third. Registered letters. 

Fourth. Box rents and branch offices. 

Fifth. Postage-stamps and envelopes. 



52 

Sixth. Dead letters. 
Seventh. Fines and penalties. 
Eighth. Revenue from money-order business. 
Ninth. Miscellaneous. 

And they shall exhibit separately the amount of expenditure 
made for each of the following subjects, respectively : 
First. Transportation of the mail. 
Second. Compensation of postmasters. 
Third. Compensation of letter carriers. 
Fourth. Compensation for clerks for post-offices. 
Fifth. Compensation for blank agents and assistants. 
Sixth. Mail depredations and special agents. 
Seventh. Postage stamps and envelopes. 
Eighth. Ship, steamboat, and way letters. 
Ninth. Dead letters. 
Tenth. Mail bags. 
Eleventh. Mail locks and keys. 
Twelfth. Post marking and canceling stamps. 
Thirteenth. Wrapping paper. 
Fourteenth. Twine. 
Fifteenth. Letter balances. 
Sixteenth. Office furniture. 
Seventeenth. Advertising. 
Eighteenth. P>alances for foreign countries. 
Nineteenth. Kent, light, and fuel for post-offices. 
Twentieth. Stationery. 
Twenty-first. Miscellaneous. 
A] (proved June 8, 1872. 

Miscellane- Unclaimed money in dead letters for which no owner can be 

Alio FGCPlDlS 

R. S., § 4050. found; all money taken from the mail by robbery, theft, or other- 
lettenf d e a d wise, which may come into the hands of any agent or employee of 
— money stolen the United States, or any other person whatever ; all fines and 
covered. penalties imposed for any violation of the postal laws, except 

penalties 8 * n d sucn part as may by law Delon S *P tne informer or party prose- 
— waste paper cuting for the same ; and all money derived from the sale of waste 
paper or other public property of the Post-Office Department shall 
be deposited in the Treasury, under the direction of the Post- 
master-General, as part of the postal revenue. And the Post- 
master-General shall cause to be placed to the credit of the 
Treasurer of the United States, for the service of the Post-Office 
— p roceed s Department, the net proceeds of the money-order business ; and 
order business! the receipts of the Post-Office Department derived from this source 
during each quarter shall be entered by the Sixth Auditor in the 
— a c c o u n t accounts of such Department, under the head of " revenue from 
money-order business." 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Receipts a t All postages, box rents, and other receipts at post-offices shall 

P °R. S., C § e 405l. De accounted for as part of the postal revenues ; and each post- 

■ — postmasters master shall be charged with and held accountable for any part of 

f or- c the same, accruing at his office, which he has neglected to collect, 

the same as if he had collected it. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



53 

Postmasters may allow box holders who desire to do so to Lockboxes 

may be erected 
provide lock -boxes or drawers for their own use, at their own i n pos t - offices 

expense, which lock-boxes or drawers, upon their erection in any by jf a g lo | l 4052 
post-office, shall become the property of the United States, and be — to become 
subject to the direction and control of the Post-Office Department, united States. 
and shall pay a rental at least equal to that of other boxes in the — rent there- 
same office, or, if there be no other boxes in such office, of boxes 
in other offices of the same class, which rental shall be accounted 
for as other box rents. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any officer, agent, postmaster, clerk, or other person employed Failure to 

in any branch of the postal service having temporary custody of revenues. 

any money taken from dead letters ; any money derived from the R * s -' § 4053 - 

sale of waste paper or other public property of the Post-Office 

Department ; or any money derived from any other source which 

Jby law is part of the postal revenues, who shall willfully neglect 

to deposit the same in the Treasury of the United States, or in 

some other depository authorized to receive the same, shall be 

deemed guilty of embezzlement, and be punishable by a fine of not — penalty. 

more than double the sum so retained, or by imprisonment for not 

more than three years, or both. And any person intrusted by Failure to 

law with the sale of postage stamps or stamped envelopes, who t^d ° "improper 

shall refuse or neglect to account for the same, or who shall pledge s a l e s o f , 
* » i & s t am p Sj etc. 

or hypothecate or unlawfully dispose of them, for any purpose 
whatever, shall be deemed guilty of embezzlement, and shall be —penalty, 
punishable by the like fine and imprisonment as are provided in 
this section for the embezzlement of money. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

The money required for the postal service in each year shall be Appropria- 
appropriated by law out of the revenues of the service. revenues" 

Approved June 8, 1872. . R. S., § 4054. 

All payments on account of the postal service shall be made to Payments to 

persons to whom the same shall be certified to be due by the Sixth eate^f C Audi- 

Auditor, but advances of necessary sums to defray expenses may t01 j^ g „ 405g 

be made by the Postmaster-General to agents employed to investi- Advances to 

gate mail depredations, examine post routes and offices, and on gpectors? 6 

other like services, to be charged to them bv the Auditor, and to — other agents. 

* ' — how account- 

be accounted for in the settlement of their accounts. ed for. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

The Postmaster-General may transfer debts due to the Depart- Payment of 
ment from postmasters and others to such contractors as have transfer °of bab 
given bonds, with security, to refund any money that may come postmasters™ 1 * 1 
into their hands over and above the amount found due them on the R. S., § 4056. 
settlement of their accounts ; but such transfers shall only be in 
satisfaction of legal demands for which appropriations have been 
made. 

Note. — The practice authorized by this section is no longer pur- 
sued, contractors being paid directly by warrant. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



54 

Fraudulent In all cases where money has been paid out of the funds of 
payments. r0pei the Post-Office Department under the pretense that service has 

5j r s "' fervf/e beeu Performed therefor, when, in fact, such service has not been 

not performed, performed, or as additional allowance for increased service ac- 
tually rendered, when the additional allowance exceeds the sum 
which, according to law, might rightfully have been allowed 
therefor, and in all other cases where money of the Department 
— made upon has been paid to any person in consequence of fraudulent repre- 
resenta?} oifs" sentations, or by the mistake, collusion, or misconduct of any 
mistakes, etc. officer or other employee in the postal service, the Postinaster- 
— Postmaster- General shall cause suit to be brought to recover such wrong or 
brfng 6 suit to fraudulent payment or excess, with interest thereon, 
recover. Approved June 8, 1872. 

Stolen money Whenever the Postmaster-General is satisfied that monev or 
or property re- 
ceived at De- property stolen from the mail, or the proceeds thereof, has been 

Pa R. I s e J 1 §'4058. received at ID e Department, he may, upon satisfactory evidence 

—may be de- as to the owner, deliver the same to him. 

liveredto 

owner. Approved June 8, 18(2. 

Recovery of All penalties and forfeitures imposed for any violation of law 
forfeitures. n affecting the Post-Office Department for its revenue or property 

R y S 'a|t^° 59 ' sna11 De recoverable, one half to the use of the person informing 

how disposed and prosecuting for the same and the other half to be paid into 

the Treasury for the use of the Post-Office Department, unless a 

. Fines, how different disposal is expressly prescribed. All fines collected for 

ispose o . violations of such laws shall be paid into the Treasury for the use 

of the Post-Office Department. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Accounts of The Postmaster-General may dispose of any quarterly returns 
postmasters to , ., , . , ■ 

b e preserved of mails sent or received, preserving the accounts current and 

tW R. s ea § S 4060 a11 accompanying vouchers, and use such portions of the proceeds 
as may be necessary to defray the cost of separating and dis- 
posing of them ; but the accounts shall be preserved entire for at 
least two years. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Disposal of The Postmaster-General may provide, by regulations, for dis- 
prfnted 8 " ^stt- P osm §" or " printed and mailable matter which may remain in any 
te ?»' « o ««/»„ post-office, or in the Department, not called for by the party 

K. fe., § 40ol, 

regulations as addressed ; but if the publisher of any refused or uncalled-for 
newspaper or other periodical shall pay the postage due thereon, 
such newspaper or other periodical shall be excepted from the 
operation of such regulations. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Money or- Any person who shall, with intent to defraud, falsely make, 
| rs ' 01 'Sing f or g e> counterfeit, engrave, or print, or cause or procure to be 

R. S., § 5463. falsely made, forged, counterfeited, engraved, or printed, or 
willingly aid or assist in falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, 
engraving, or printing any order in imitation of or purporting to 
be a money order issued by the Post-Office Department or any 
of its postmasters or agents, or any material signature or in- 
dorsement thereon; any person who shall falsely alter, or cause 



55 

or procure to be altered, or willingly aid or assist in falsely 
altering any such money order ; any person who shall, with in- 
tent to defraud, pass, utter, or publish, or attempt to pass, utter, 
or publish as true any such false, forged, counterfeited, or altered 
money order, knowing the same, or any signature or indorsement 
thereon, to be false, forged, counterfeited, or altered, shall be 
punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by — penalty, 
imprisonment at hard labor for not less than two years and not 
more than five years. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person who shall forge or counterfeit any postage stamp, Forging o r 

, . , , J. i i j. i j counterfeiting 

or any stamp printed upon any stamped envelope, postal card, or p s t a g e 

any die, plate, or engraving therefor ; any person who shall make, stamps, dies, 
or print, or knowingly use or sell, or have in possession, with in- R. S., § 5464. 
tent to use or sell, any such forged or counterfeited postage stamp, 
stamped envelope, postal card, die, plate, or engraving ; any person 
who shall make, or knowingly use or sell, or have in possession, 
with intent to use or sell, any paper bearing the watermark of 
any stamped envelope, postal card, or any fraudulent imitation 
thereof; any person who shall make or print, or authorize or 
procure to be made or printed, any postage stamp, stamped en- 
velope, or postal card, of the kind authorized and provided by the 
Post-Office- Department, without the special authority and direc- 
tion of the Department ; any person who shall, after such postage 
stamp, stamped envelope, or postal card have been printed, and 
with intent to defraud the postal revenue, deliver the same to any 
person not authorized by an instrument of writing, duly executed 
under the hand of the Postmaster-General and the seal of the 

Post-Office Department, to receive them, shall be punished by a penalty. 

fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment at 
hard labor not more than five years, or by both such fine and im- 
prisonment. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person who shall forge or counterfeit or knowingly utter Forging, or 
or use any forged or counterfeited postage stamp of any foreign f ° S^ 1 p 6 o sfe 
Government shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor of a § R S g ai R%465. 
not less than two nor more than ten years. — penalty. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

-Any person who shall willfully or maliciously injure, deface, or Injuring mail 
destroy any mail matter deposited in any letter box, pillar box, or ter boxes, etc. 
other receptacle established by authority of the Postmaster-General R - s -» § 5 
for the safe deposit of matter for the mail or for delivery, or 
who shall willfully aid or assist in injuring such mail matter, 
shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, — penalty, 
or by imprisonment for not more than three years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person employed in any department of the postal service Embezzle - 

who shall secrete, embezzle, or destroy any letter, packet, bag, or JJ^* ^ y p0 stal 

mail of letters intrusted to him, or which shall come into his pos- service of let- 
ters containing 
session, and which was intended to be conveyed by mail, or car- valuable inclos- 

ried or delivered by any mail carrier, mail messenger, route ur ?f' g § 5457 



56 

agent, letter carrier, or other person employed in any department 
of the postal service, or forwarded through or delivered from any 
post-office or branch post-office established by authority of the 
Postmaster-General, and which shall contain any note, bond, draft, 
check, warrant, revenue stamp, postage stamp, stamped envelope, 
postal card, money order, certificate of stock, or other pecuniary 
obligation or security of the Government, or of any officer or fiscal 
agent thereof, of any description whatever ; any bank note, bank 
post bill, bill of exchange, or note of assignment of stock in the 
funds ; any letter of attorney for receiving annuities or dividends, 
selling stock in the funds, or collecting the interest thereof ; any 
letter of credit, note, bond, warrant, draft, bill, promissory note, 
covenant, contract, or agreement whatsoever, for or relating to 
the payment of money, or the delivery of any article of value, or 
the performance of any act, matter, or thing ; any receipt, release, 
acquittance, or discharge of or from any debt, covenant, or de- 
mand, or any part thereof ; any copy of the record of any judg- 
ment or decree in any court of law or chancery or any execution 
which may have issued thereon ; any copy of any other record, or 
any other article of value, or writing representing the same ; any 
such person who shall steal or take any of the things aforesaid 
out of any letter, packet, bag, or mail of letters which shall have 
come into his possession, either in the regular course of his official 
duties or in any other manner whatever, and provided the same 
— penalty. shall not have been delivered to the party to whom it is directed, 

shall be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for not less 
than one year nor more than five years. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

( Meaning o f The fact that any letter, packet, bag, or mail of letters has been 
be conveyed by deposited in any post-office or branch post-office established by 
m *R S § 5468 au thority of the Postmaster-General, or in any other authorized 
depository for mail matter, or in charge of any postmaster, as- 
sistant clerk, carrier, agent, or messenger employed in any depart- 
ment of the postal service, shall be evidence that the same was 
" intended to be conveyed by mail " within the meaning of the two 
preceding sections. (Sec. 5460 and 5407, R. S.) 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Stealing o r Any person who shall steal the mail, or steal or take from or 
fraudulently 
obtaining mail out of any mail or post-office, branch post-office, or other author- 

m R. S.', § 5469. ized depository for mail-matter, any letter or packet; any person 
who shall take the mail, or any letter or packet therefrom, or 
from any post-office, branch post-office, or other authorized deposi- 
tory for mail-matter, with or without the consent of the person 

Opening and having custody thereof, and open, embezzle, or destrov any such 
embezzlement * 

of mail, etc. mail, letter, or package which shall contain any note, bond, draft, 

check, warrant, revenue stamp, postage-stamp, stamped envelope, 
money order, certificate of stock, or other pecuniary obligation 
or security of the Government, or of any officer or fiscal agent 
thereof, of any description whatever ; any bank-note, bank post- 
bill, bill of exchange, or note of assignment of stock in the funds ; 
any letter of attorney for receiving annuities or dividends, selling 
stock in the funds, or collecting the interest thereof ; any letter 
of credit, note, bond, warrant, draft, bill, promissory note, cove- 



57 

riant, contract, or agreement whatsoever, for or relating to the 
payment or the delivery of any article of value, or the perform- 
ance of any act. matter, or thing ; any receipt, release, acquittance, 
or discharge of or from any debt, covenant, or demand, or any 
part thereof ; any copy of record of any judgment or decree in 
any court of law or chancery, or any execution which may have 
issued thereon ; any copy of any other record, or any other 
article of value, or any writing representing the same ; any person 
who shall, by fraud or deception, obtain, from any person having 
custody thereof, any such mail, letter, or packet containing any 
such article of value shall, although not employed in the postal 
service, be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for not less — penalty, 
than one year and not more than five years. 
Approved June 8, 1872.. 

Any person who shall buy, receive, or conceal, or aid in buying, Receiving ar- 
receiving, or concealing, any note, bond, draft, check, warrant, rev- fj-on? the nails! 
enue stamp, postage stamp, stamped envelope, postal card, money R- S., § 5470. 
order, certificate of stock, or other pecuniary obligation or security 
of the Government, or of any officer or fiscal agent thereof, of any 
description whatever ; any bank note, bank post bill, bill of ex- 
change, or note of assignment of stock in the funds ; any letter of 
attorney for receiving annuities or dividends, selling stock in the 
funds, or collecting the interest thereof, any letter of credit, note, 
bond, warrant, draft, bill, promissory note, covenant, contract, or 
agreement whatsoever, for or relating to the payment of money 
or the delivery of any article of value, or the performance of any 
act, matter, or thing ; any receipt, release, acquittal, or discharge 
of or from any debt, covenant, or demand, or any part thereof; 
any copy of the record of any judgment or decree in any court of 
law or chancery, or any execution which may have issued thereon ; 
any copy of any other record, or any other article of value or 
writing representing the same, knowing any such article or thing 
to have been stolen or embezzled from the mail, or out of any post- 
office, branch post-office, or other authorized depository for mail 
matter, or from any person having custody thereof, shall be pun- — penalty, 
ishable by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars, and by 
imprisonment at hard labor for not more than five years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person employed in any department of the postal service Stealing, de- 
who shall improperly detain, delay, embezzle, or destroy any news- striving News- 
paper, or permit any other person to detain, delay, embezzle, or pa R ei g' * 5471 
destroy the same, or open, or permit any other person to open, any 
mail or package of newspapers not directed to the office where he 
is employed, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than fifty 
dollars. And if any other person shall open, embezzle, or destroy 
any mail or package of newspapers not being directed to him, and 
he not being authorized to open or receive the same, he shall be 
punishable by a fine of not more than twenty dollars. And any 
person who shall take or steal any mail or package of newspapers 
from any post-officer or from any person having custody thereof, 
shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three months. — penalty. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 



58 

Robbery of Any person who shall rob any carrier, agent, or other person 

R. S., § 5472. intrusted with the mail, of such mail, or any part thereof, shall be 

punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five 

— penalty. years and not more than ten years ; and if convicted a second time 

of a like offense, or if, in effecting such robbery the first time, the 

—use of dan- robber shall wound the person having custody of the mail, or put 

fn, r °penSty P< in nis life in J eo P a i' d y by the use of dangerous weapons, such offender 

case of. shall be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for the term of 

his natural life. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Attempting Any person who shall attempt to rob the mail by assaulting the 
torobthe , J _ „ 

mail. person having custody thereof, shooting at him or his horse, or 

R. S., § 5473. threatening him with dangerous weapons, and shall not effect such 

— penalty. robbery, shall be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for not 

less than two years and not more than ten years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Deserting Any person who shall have taken charge of the mail and shall 

R. S., § 5474. voluntarily quit or desert the same before he has delivered it into 

the post-office at the termination of the route, or to some known 

mail carrier, messenger, agent, or other employe of the Post- Office 

— penalty. Department authorized to receive the same, shall be punishable by 

a fine of not more than five hundred dollars and by imprisonment 

for not less than three months nor more than one year. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

b e z*z fi iff ' e ?r An ^ P erson wn o shall steal, purloin, or embezzle any mail bag 
carrying away or other property in use by or belonging to the Post-Offiee De- 
property. ° 6 partment, or who shall, for any lucre, gain, or convenience, ap- 
R. S., § 5475. propriate any such property to his own or any other than its 
proper use, or who shall, for any lucre or gain, convey away any 
such property to the hindrance or detriment of the public service ; 
if the value of the property be twenty-five dollars or more, the 
offender shall be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for 
not more than three years, and if the value of the property be less 
— penalty. than twenty-five dollars, the offender shall be punishable by im- 

prisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than 
ten dollars and not more than two hundred dollars. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

injuring Any person who shall tear, cut, or otherwise injure any mail 

locks, etc. ' bag, pouch, or other thing used or designed for use in the convey- 

• ., b 76. anCQ of tlie mailj or wll0 ghan draw or break any staple, or loosen 

any part of any lock, chain, or strap attached thereto, with intent 
to rob or steal any such mail, or to render the same insecure, shall 
— penalty. be punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars and 

not more than five hundred, or by imprisonment at hard labor for 
not less than one year and not more than three years. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Stealing, em- Any person who shall steal, purloin, embezzle, or obtain by any 
forging of 'mail false pretense, or shall aid or assist in stealing, purloining, embez- 
locks^and keys. z \[ n g f r obtaining by any false pretense, any key suited to any 



59 

lock adopted by the Fost-Office Department, and in use on any of 
the mails or bags thereof ; any person who shall knowingly and 
unlawfully make, forge, or counterfeit, or cause to be unlaw- 
fully made, forged, or counterfeited, or knowingly aid or assist 
in making, forging, or counterfeiting, any such key ; any person 
who shall have in his possession any such mail lock or key, with 
the intent unlawfully or improperly to use, sell, or otherwise dis- 
pose of the same, dr to cause the same to be unlawfully or improp- 
erly used, sold, or otherwise disposed of ; or any person engaged Delivery o t 
as contractor or otherwise in the manufacture of any such mail to unauthor- 
locks or keys who shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, any ize(3 persons, 
finished or unfinished lock or key used or designed for use by the 
Department, or the interior part of any such lock, to any person 
not duly authorized, under the hand of the Postmaster-General 
and the seal of the Post-Office Department, to receive the same, 
unless the person receiving is the contractor for furnishing the 
same, or engaged in the manufacture thereof in the manner 
authorized by the contract, or the agent for such manufacturer, 
shall be punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for not more — penalty. 
than ten years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

Any person who shall forcibly break into, or attempt to break Breaking* in- 
into any post-office, or any building used in whole or in part as pos^office. ermS 
a post-office, with intent to commit therein larceny or other depre- R - s -> § 5478. 
dation, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand —penalty, 
dollars, and by imprisonment at hard labor for not more than five 
years. 

Approved June 8, 1872. 

m If any person shall falsely make, alter, forge, or counterfeit, Counterfeit- 

or cause or procure to be falsely, made, altered, forged, or counter- ^^^ record^ 

feited, or willingly aid or assist in the false making, altering, etc. 

it. fe., § 047". 
forging, or counterfeiting, any bond, bid, proposal, guarantee, 

security, official bond, public record, affidavits, or other writing 

for the purpose of defrauding the United States ; or shall utter or utter in g, 

publish as true, or cause to be uttered or published as true, any Pesenffng 

such false, forged, altered, or counterfeited bond, bid, proposal, counterfeited 
' ° ' 'ij- 'or altered 

guarantee, security, official bond, public record, affidavit, or other bonds, etc. 

writing, for the purpose of defrauding the United States, knowing 
the same to be false, forged, altered or counterfeited ; or shall 
transmit to or present at or cause [to] [or] procure to be trans- 
mitted to, or presented at, the office of any officer of the United 
States, any such false, forged, altered, or counterfeited bond, bid, 
proposal, guarantee, security, official bond, public record, affidavit, 
or other writing, knowing the same to be false, forged, altered, or 
counterfeited, for the purpose of defrauding the United States, 

shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, penalty. 

or by imprisonment at hard labor for not more than ten years or 
by both such punishments. (See R. S., § 5418.) 
Approved June 8, 1872. 



If any person having devised or intending to devise any scheme Fraudulent 
or artifice to defraud, or be effected by either opening or intending SC R ei g es § 5480. 
to open correspondence or communication with any other person, 



60 

whether resident within or outside of the United States, by means 
of the Post-Offiee Establishment of the United States, or by inciting 
such other person to open communication with the person so 
devising or intending shall, in and for executing such scheme or 
artifice, or attempting so to do, place any letter or packet in any 
post-office of the United States, or take or receive any therefrom, 
such person, so misusing the Post-Office Establishment, shall be 
— penalty. punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, and 

by imprisonment for not more than eighteen months, or by both 
such punishments. The indictment, information, or complaint may 
severally charge offenses to the number of three when committed 
within the same six calendar months ; but the court thereupon 
shall give a single sentence and shall proportion the punishment 
especially to the degree in which the abuse of the Post-Office 
.Establishment enters as an instrument into such fraudulent 
scheme and device. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Accessory to Every accessory after the fact to any robbery of the carrier, 
mail. agent, or other person intrusted with the mail, of such mail or of 

penalty 5584 ' an 3' P art thereof, shall be fined not more than two thousand 

dollars and be imprisoned at hard labor not more than ten years. 
Approved June 8, 1872. 

Rates for Telegrams between the several departments of the Government 
Government 
telegrams over and their officers and agents, in their transmission over the lines 

certain priv? of any telegraph company to which has been given the right of 

le §_f s - „ _ _„ way, timber, or station lands from the public domain, shall have 

See 18 9 2, priority over all other business, at such rates as the Postmaster- 

27,"stat C L.,82.' General shall annually fix. And no part of any appropriation for 

Gen^iT^fix tne several departments of the Government shall be paid to any 

company which neglects or refuses to transmit such telegrams 

in accordance with the provisions of this section. 

Approved June 10, 1872. 

Superintend- The Postmaster-General may designate one of the present 
ent of free de- 
livery- fourth-class clerks to act as superintendent of free delivery in 

R. S., § 394. ^he post-Office Department, at an annual salary of two thousand 

five hundred dollars: Provided, That the salary hereby fixed shall 

terminate at the end of the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, 

eighteen hundred and seventy-four. 

Approved March 3, 1873. 

Regular de- Auv postmaster, having public monev belonging to the Govern- 
po s i ts in na- 
tional banks, ment, at an office within a county where there are no designated 

■ depositories, treasurers of mints, or Treasurer or assistant treas- 

— w hen may lirers or the United States, may deposit the same, at his own risk 

bemadeat > * x 

risk of post- and in his official capacity, in any national bank in the town, city, 

or county where the said postmaster resides ; but no authority 
— interest on, or permission is or shall be given for the demand or receipt by the 
ceived. postmaster, or any other person, of interest, directly or indirectly, 

on any deposit made as herein described; and every postmaster 
— report of. w i 10 makes any such deposit shall report quarterly to the Post- 



61 

master-General the name of the bank where such deposits have 
been made, and also state the amount which may stand at the 
time to his credit. 

Approved March 3, 1873. 

The Postmaster-General is authorized and directed to readjust Adjustment 
the compensation hereafter to be paid for the transportation of ? i n°™ condl- 
mails on railroad routes upon the conditions and at th© rates *^ t g ns and 
hereinafter mentioned : R. S.. § 4002. 

First. That the mails shall be conveyed with due frequency and 
speed : and that sufficient and suitable room, fixtures, and furni- 
ture, in a car or apartment properly lighted and warmed, shall be 
provided for route agents to accompany and distribute the mails. 

Second. That the pay per mile per annum shall not exceed the 
following rates, namely : On routes carrying their whole length an . 
average weight of mails per day of two hundred pounds, fifty dol- 
lars ; five hundred pounds, seventy-five dollars ; one thousand 
pounds, one hundred dollars ; one thousand five hundred pounds. 
one hundred and twenty-five dollars ; two thousand pounds, one 
hundred and fifty dollars ; three thousand five hundred pounds, 
one hundred and seventy-five dollars ; five thousand pounds, two 
hundred dollars, and twenty-five dollars additional for every addi- 
tional two thousand pounds, the average weight to be ascertained, 
in every case, by the actual weighing of the mails for such a num- 
ber of successive working days, not less than thirty, at such times, 
after June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, and not 
less frequently than once in every four years, and the result to be 
stated and verified in such form and manner as the Postmaster- 
General may direct. 

Approved March 3. 1S73. 

Additional pay may be allowed for every line comprising a daily Additional 
trip each way of railway post-office cars, at a rate not exceeding ^Jy post-office 
twenty-five dollars per mile per annum for cars forty feet in Un ^ s - C1 „ . AA1 

K. o., § 4004. 

length ; and thirty dollars per mile per annum for forty-five-foot — rates of. 
cars ; and forty dollars per mile per annum for fifty-foot cars ; 
and fifty dollars per mile per annum for fifty-five to sixty-foot 
cars. 

Approved March 3, 1873. 

Every postmaster, assistant, clerk, or other person employed in Embezzle- 
or connected with the business or operations of any money-order S-aSr °f imds! 67 " 
office who converts to his own use. in any way whatever, or loans, R - s -> § 4046. 
or deposits in any bank, except as authorized by this Title (XLYI. 
If. S.). or exchanges for other funds, any portion of the money- 
order funds, shall lie deemed guilty of embezzlement: and any 
such person, as well as every other person advising or participating 
therein, shall, for every such offense, be imprisoned for not less — penalty, 
than six months nor more than ten years, and be fined in a sum 

equal to the amount embezzled; and any failure to pav over or — what consti- 

•■ tutes 

produce any money-order funds intrusted to such person shall be 

taken to be pri'ma facie evidence of embezzlement: and upon the 

trial of any indictment against any person for such embezzlement. 



62 

ifc shall be prima facie evidence of a balance against him to pro- 
duce a transcript from the money-order account books of the Sixth 
Auditor. 
Deposits i n But nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit any 
designated 3 ^!)! postmaster depositing, under the direction of the Postmaster- 
Secretary of General, in a national bank designated by the Secretary of the 
R. S., § 4046. Treasury for that purpose, to his own credit as postmaster, any 
money-order or. other funds in his charge, nor prevent his negoti- 
ating drafts or other evidences of debt through such bank, or 
through United States disbursing officers, or otherwise, when 

Use of drafts, instructed or required to do so by the Postmaster-General, for the 
etc., in remit- ,. .... , , „ , „ 

ting funds. purpose of remitting surplus money-order funds from one post- 
office to another, to be used in payment of money orders. Dis- 
Duplicates of bursing officers of the United States shall issue, under regulations 
how °issued. S ' to be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, duplicates of 
lost checks drawn by them in favor of any postmaster on account 
of money-order or other public funds received by them from some 
other postmaster. 

Approved March 3, 1873. 

Payments to The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to withhold all pay- 
account of in n ments to any railroad company and its assigns, on account of 
terest on »o n ds freights or transportation over their respective roads of any kind, 
to aid railroads, to the amount of payments made by the United States for interest 

R S § 5^60 

" " upon bonds of the United States issued to any such company, and 
which shall not have been reimbursed, together with the five per 
centum of net earnings due and unapplied, as provided by law. 
Approved March 3, 1873. 

When re- Except where a different time is expressly prescribed by law, 

made. a16 t0 be tne various annual reports required to be submitted to Congress 

R. S., § 195. by the heads of Departments shall be made at the commencement 

of each regular session, and shall embrace the transactions of the 

preceding year. 

Approved December 1, 1873. 

* Oath of of- Before entering upon the duties of his office, and before he shall 
pfoye^s Stal 6m " receive any salary, the Postmaster-General and each of the per- 
R. S., § 391. sons employed in the postal service shall, respectively, take and 
subscribe, before some magistrate or other competent officer, the 
following oath: "I, A. B., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I 
will faithfully perform all the duties required of me and abstain 
from everything forbidden by the laws in relation to the estab- 
lishment of post-offices and post-roads within the United States ; 
and that I will honestly and truly account for and pay over any 
money belonging to the said United States which may come into 
my possession or control : So help me God." ( See Act June 8, 
1872, ch. 335, Sec. 15, 17 Stat, 287.) 
Aproved March 5, 1874. 

Oath of of- Before entering upon the duties, and before they shall receive 

—Special as any salarv > the Postmaster-General, and all persons employed in 

employed in the postal service, shall respectively take and subscribe before 

P °1874, Maj. C 5J some magistrate or other competent officer authorized to admin- 

ch. 46 ; 1 Supp., j s ter oaths by the laws of the United States, or of any State or 
o. 

Territory, the following oath or affirmation. 



63 

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully perform 
all the duties required of me and abstain from everything forbid- 
den by the laws in relation to the establishment of post-offices and 
post-roads within the United States ; and that I will honestly and 
truly account for and pay over any money belonging to the said 
United States which may come into my possession or control ; and 
I also further swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitu- 
tion of the United States. So help me God. 

Approved March 5, 1874. 

(The) oath (of office) or affirmation (required by the act of Oath. 
March 5, 1874) may be taken before any officer, civil or military, i874, a Mar. 5, 
holding a commission under the United States, and such officer is ch.46; lSupp., 
hereby authorized to administer and certify such oath or affirma- 
tion. 

Approved March 5, 1874. 

The commissions of all postmasters appointed by the President, Issue of com- 

by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall be made postmasters. ° 

out and recorded in the Post-Office Department, and shall be under * 874 ' ¥> T ar v 

L 18, ch. 57, 1 

the seal of said Department, and countersigned by the Postmaster- Supp., 5. 

General, any laws to the contrary notwithstanding: Provided, i^tSdent. 6 y 

That the said seal shall not be affixed to any such commission until 

after the same shall have been signed by the President of the 

United States. 

Approved March 18, 1874. 

That the resolution approved January thirty-first, eighteen bun- Contracts for 
dred and sixty-eight, entitled "A resolution limiting contracts for tanf^Timita'- 
stationery and other supplies in the Executive Departments to one tions not ap- 
year," shall not be held, or construed, to apply to, or include, mail Mar. 24, 
bags, mail locks and keys, postal cards, postage stamps, news- Jf 7 ^ 18 Reso- 
paper wrappers, or stamped envelopes. lution 6. 

Approved March 24, 1874. 

No civil officer of the Government shall hereafter receive any Extra corn- 
compensation or perquisites, directly or indirectly, from the Treas- pe ° s u is < ites for^ 
ury or property of the United States beyond his salary or compen- bidden, 
sation allowed by law\ 20, ch. ' 328? B f 

Approved June 20, 1874. 3 > '* Su PP-> ' 18 - 

* * * The Secretary of the Treasury shall cause all unex- unexpended 

pended balances of appropriations which shall have remained upon S*I*^??+ 1 5 > 1 J 01 ap ' 

propi la-Lions. 

the books of the Treasury for two fiscal years to be carried to 1874, June 
the surplus fund and covered into the Treasury. * * * 5, 'l C Supp., 18. 

Approved June 20, 1874. 

All purchases and contracts for supplies or services, In any of Advertise- 

the Departments of the Government, except for personal services, ment 1 s for P ro " 

shall be made by advertising a sufficient time previously for R. S., § 3709. 

proposals respecting the same, when the public exigencies do not 

require the immediate delivery of the articles, or performance of 

the service. When immediate delivery or performance is required i n exigencies, 

by the public exigency, the articles or service required may be ? tc -' purchases 

in open m<ir~ 
procured by open purchase or contract, at the places and in the ket. 



64 

manner in which such articles are usually bought and sold, or 
such services engaged, between individuals. 
Note. Note— R. S., § 3709, has been amended, but the above is the 

original section. (See act of January 27, 1894. eh. 22, and act of 
April 21, 1894. eh. 61. for amendment.) 
Approved June 22, 1874. 

of SU s?retles— ^ 11J postmaster or other officer of the Post-Office Department 
postmaster's who shall affix his signature to the certificate of sufficiency of 
certificate as , ,. . . .,, . . .* ., 

to. guarantors or sureties before the guarantee or contract is signed 

R. S., § 3947. Dy the guarantors or sureties, or shall knowingly make any false 

cate or illusory certificate, shall be forthwith dismissed from office, and 

— penalty. shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor, and be punishable by a 

fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment 

for not more than one year, or by both. 

Approved June 23, 1874. 

Proposals to Every proposal for carrying the mail shall be accompanied bv 
beaccom- 
panied by the bond of the bidder, with sureties approved by a postmaster, 

b °l874 June an( * in cases where the amount of the bond exceeds five thousand 

23, ch 456, § dollars, by a postmaster of the first, second, or third class, in a 

44! ' sum to be designated by the Postmaster-General in the advertise- 

235. 8 Stat " meut of eacn route ; to which bond a condition shall be annexed, 

"conditions that if the said bidder shall, within such time after his bid is 
of bond. 

accepted as the Postmaster-General shall prescribe, enter into a 

contract with the United States of America, with good and suffi- 
cient sureties, to be approved by the Postmaster-General, to per- 
— that s e r v - form the service proposed in his said bid, and, further, that he 
performed. 1 ^ shall perform the said service according to his contract, then the 
said obligation to be void, otherwise to be in full force and obliga- 
— liability for tion in law : and in case of failure of any bidder to enter into 
failure. such contract to perform the service, or, having executed a con- 

tract, in case of failure to perforin the service, according to his 
contract, he and his sureties shall be liable for the amount of said 
bond as liquidated damages, to be recovered in an action of debt 
•thut°bond on tlie saicl D01K ^ No P r °P°sal shall be considered unless it shall 
not to be con- be accompanied by such bond, and there shall have been affixed to 
Oath' of bid- said proposal the oath of the bidder, taken before an officer quali- 
— what to con- ned to administer oaths, that he has the ability, pecuniarily, to 
tain. fulfill his obligations, and that the bid is made in good faith, and 

with the intention to enter into contract and perform the service 
in case his bid is accepted. 
Approved June 23, 1874. 

Unlawful ap- Any postmaster who shall affix his signature to the approval of 
rutTs t e r , of any bond of a bidder, or to the certificate of sufficiency of sureties 
ca?<? 0°/ bfdder in au ^ T contract before the said bond or contract is signed by the 

1874, June bidder or contractor and his sureties, or shall knowingly, or with- 
23, ch. 456, § . . ._ _,.. , , & 7 ,.,, 

12, 1 Supp., 45. out the exercise of due diligence, approve any bond of a bidder 

235 8 Stat ' L ' witn insufficient sureties, or shall knowingly make any false or' 
— penalty. fraudulent certificate, shall be forthwith dismissed from office, and 

be thereafter disqualified from holding the office of postmaster, 
and shall also be deemed guilty of a midemeanor, and, on con- 
viction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand 
dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. 
Approved June 23, 1874. 



65 

The postage on each copy of the daily Congressional Record Postage on 

t i' n n si put 

mailed from the city of "Washington as transient matter shall be copies Con- 

one cent. g£» * ° * a > 

Approved June 23, 1874. oo 187 , 4 ' J- l i ne 

23, ch. 4o6, § 
13, 1 Supp., 
45. 

18 Stat. L. 
237. 

When the amount of mail matter to be carried on any mail Mail retard- 

. , , . , ed on account 

route is so great as to seriously retard the progress or endanger f bulk. 

the security of the letter mail, or materially increase the cost of R - S " § 3994 - 

carriage at the ordinary rate of speed, the Postmaster-General — when letters 
.,„.,, . ^ ,, i ., ., . ., may be carried 

may provide for the separate carriage of the letter mail at the separately. 

usual rate of speed ; but the other mail matter shall not be delayed 

any more than is absolutely necessary, having due regard to the 

cost of expedition and the means at his disposal for effecting the 

same. 

Approved February 18, 1875. 

The payee of a money order may, by his written indorsement Transfer of 
thereon, direct it to [be] paid to any other person, and the post- 01 R ei |; j § 4037. 

master on whom it is drawn shall pav the same to the person thus 7— upon payee's 

indorsement, 
designated, provided he shall furnish such proof as the Postmaster- 
General may prescribe that the indorsement is genuine, and that 
he is the person empowered to receive payment ; but more than More than 
one indorsement shall render an order invalid and not payable, one indorse- 
and the holder, to obtain payment, must apply in writing to the dates order. 
Postmaster-General for a new order in lieu thereof, returning the i S invalidated 
original order, and making such proof of the genuineness of the J5? ei J t g d jJJ)w S se- 
indorsements as the Postmaster-General may require. cured.' 

Approved February 18, 1875. 

The circuit courts (of the United States) shall have original Circuit 

. ,. ,. -, „ * * * courts, juris- 

jnrisdiction as follows : * * *■ diction orig- 

Twentieth. Exclusive cognizance of all crimes and offenses ^4^^ con " 
cognizable under the authority of the United States, except where R. S„ § 629. 
it is or may be otherwise provided by law, and concurrent juris- 
diction with the district courts of crimes and offenses cognizable 
therein. 

Approved February 19, 1875. 

There shall be connected with the Department of the Treasury Auditor for 

six auditors of accounts, who shall be appointed by the President, Department^ 06 

by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be R - s -\ § 276 - 

— appomtmen t 
known as the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Audi- of. 

tors, respectively. Each Auditor is entitled to a salary of four 

thousand dollars a year. 

Approved March 3, 1875. 

Seventh. The Sixth Auditor shall receive all accounts arising in Accounts of 
the Post-Office Department, or relative thereto, with the vouchers Sued m a nd 
necessary to a correct adjustment thereof, and shall audit and preserved by 
settle the same and certify the balances thereon to the Postmaster- R. S.,'§ 277. 
General. He shall keep and preserve all accounts and vouchers 
after settlement. He shall close the account of the Department 
quarterly, and transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury quarterly 
6300—07 5 



66 

— to make statements of its receipts and expenditures. He shall report to 
tiementS SGt ~ the Postmaster-General, when required to do so, the manner and 

— to report f orm f keeping and stating the accounts of the Department, and 
manner of * ° .,. 

keeping ac- the official forms of papers to be used m connection with its 

— l to t ?eport n de- receipts and expenditures. He shall report to the Postmaster- 

linquent post- General all delinquencies of postmasters in rendering their ac- 

masters. . „ , ■ _, 

counts and returns, or m paying over money-order funds and 

— to counter- other receipts at their offices. He. shall register, charge, and 
sign warran s. colin ^- ers ig n a p warrants upon the Treasury for receipts or pay- 
ments issued by the Postmaster-General, when warranted by law. 
He shall perform such other duties in relation to the financial 
concerns of the Department as may be assigned to him by the 
Secretary of the Treasury, and make to the Secretary or to the 

Reports. Postmaster-General such reports respecting the same as either of 
them may require. 

Approved March 3, 1S75. 

D i strict The district courts (of the United States) shall have jurisdic- 



eourts, juris 
diction 



tion as follows : 
r. s., § 563. First. Of all crimes and offenses cognizable under the authority 
of the United States, committed within their respective dis- 
tricts, or upon the high seas, the punishment of which is not 
capital. * * * 

Approved March 3, 1875. 

Limit of No package weighing more than four pounds shall be received 
WG R h £' § 3879. tor conveyance by mail, except books published or circulated by 
^exception. order of Congress. 

Approved March 3, 1875. 

Money or- No money order shall be issued for more than fifty dollars, and 

of fees. the fees therefor shall be, for orders not exceeding ten dollars, 

R. S., § 4032. g ve een t s . exceeding ten and not exceeding twenty dollars, ten 
cents ; exceeding twenty and not exceeding thirty dollars, fifteen 
cents ; exceeding thirty and not exceeding forty dollars, twenty 
cents ; exceeding forty dollars, twenty-five cents. ( See Act March 
3, 1883, c. 123, sec. 3.) (22 Stat, 527.) 
Approved March 3, 1875. 

Salary of The salary of the postmaster at the city of New York, New 
New m York L &t York * * * ( sna11 be ) ei S ht thousand dollars per annum. 

1875, Mar. 3, Approved March 3, 1875. 
ch. 128, 1 
Supp., 70. See 1883, Mar. 3, ch. 142, § 4, 1 Supp., 420. 

Mails, how * * * (The Postmaster-General) is hereby directed to have 
weio-he^ 611 10 ^ the mails weighed, as often as now provided by law, by the em- 
1875, Mar. 3, ployees of the Post-Office Department, and have the weights stated 
Supp" 70. ' an d verified to him by said employees under such instructions as 
34 ^ 8 stat - L> ' he may consider just to the Post-Office Department and the rail- 
Expenses of road companies, 
taking weights. „ , . ,, ... „ -it -i . 4. ±- j_i 

lb. Out of the appropriation for inland mail transportation the 

Postmaster-General is authorized hereafter to pay the expenses of 
taking the weights of mails on railroad routes. 
Approved March 3, 1875. 



67 

The Sixth Auditor shall keep the accounts in his office so as Accounts of 

to show the expenditures of the Post-Office Department under 

, ., „ ... • i t i i — t0 sllow ex ' 

each item ot appropriation provided by law. penditures un- 

Approved, March 3, 1875. nvfalKn. aPP1 "°" 

1875. Mar. 3. ch. 128, § 4, 1 Supp., 70. See 1890, Sept, 30, ch. 1126, 1 
Snpp.. 811. 

The Congressional Record, or any part thereof, or speeches or Congressional 
° - x ' Record, 

reports therein contained, shall, under the frank of a member of 1875, Mar. 3, 

Congress, or delegate, to be written by himself, be carried in the s upp ~ 70 ' 

mail free of postage, under such regulations as the Postmaster- —^J De c i ir 

ried free under 
General may prescribe. written frank 

Approved March 3, 1875. Co w^s o°r 

delegate. 

Seeds transmitted by the Commissioner (Secretary) of Agricul- Seeds and 
ture, or by any member of Congress or delegate receiving seeds pf£tg' altural V& 
for distribution from said Department, together with agricultural 1875, Mar. 3, 
reports emanating from that Department, and so transmitted, shall, supp" 70. ' 
under such regulations as the Postmaster-General shall prescribe, f^^y^gecr'e- 
pass through the mails free of charge. And the provisions of this tary of Agri- 
section shall apply to ex-members of Congress and ex-delegates for De Vs U 'f con- 
the period of nine months after the expiration of their terms as ^i^' and dele " 

members and delegates. 18 Stat. L., 

343 
Approved March 3, 1875. 

Any person who shall embezzle, steal, or purloin any money, Embezzle- 

property, record, voucher, or valuable thing whatever, of the 5J en the f UniteS 

moneys, goods, chattels, records, or property of the United States. States_, etc. 

shall be deemed guilty of felony, and on conviction thereof before ch _ ' { | 4 a ]' { 

the district or circuit court of the United States in the district Sup o"o? 8 ; T 

wherein said offense may have been committed, or into which he 479. 

shall carry or have in possession of said property so embezzled, possession or 

stolen, or purloined, shall be punished therefor by imprisonment carrying into 

1 L J l another district 

at hard labor in the penitentiary not exceeding five years, or by a money embez- 

fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or both, at the discretion —penalty, 

of the court before which he shall be convicted. 

Approved March 3, 1875. 

If any person shall receive, conceal, or aid in concealing, or Receiving 

have, or retain in his possession with intent to convert to his own ^property 167 

use or gain, any money, property, record, voucher, or valuable 1875 - Mar. 3, 

ch. 144, §21 
thing whatever, of the moneys, gc ods, chattels, records, or prop- Supp., 89. ' 

erty of the United States, which has theretofore been embezzled, 47 g 8 stat L -' 
stolen, or purloined from the United States by any other person, 
knowing the same to have been so embezzled, stolen, or purloined, 
such person shall, on conviction before the circuit or district court 
of the United States in the district wherein he may have such 
property, be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand dol- 
lars, or imprisonment at hard labor in the penitentiary not exceed- penalty, 
ing five years, one or both, at the discretion of the court before 
which he shall be convicted. And such receiver may be tried 
either before or after the conviction of the principal felon, but 
if the party has been convicted, then the judgment against him 
shall be conclusive evidence in the prosecution against such re- 
ceiver that the property of the United States therein described has 
been embezzled, stolen, or purloined. 
Approved March 3, 1875. 



68 

Claims v etc., When any final judgment recovered against the United States 
States. ' or other claim duly allowed by legal authority shall be presented 

ch 187 l'49 ar * 3 i to tbe Secre tary of the Treasury for payment, and the plaintiff or 
Supp., 90.' claimant therein shall be indebted to the United States in any 
481. '" manner, whether as principal or surety, it shall be the duty of the 

— amount t o Secretary to withhold payment of an amount of such judgment or 
where^faln? claim e( l ual to tne debt tnus due to the United States ; and if such 
ant indebted to plaintiff or claimant assents to such set-off, and discharges his 
United States. T , , . .. , . , . , , , . ,'■•«. 

judgment or an amount thereof equal to said debt or claim, the 

Secretary shall execute a discharge of the debt due from the 
plaintiff to the United States, 
—proceedings But if such plaintiff, or claimant, denies his indebtedness to the 
ednesV denied! United States, or refuses to consent to the set-off, then the Secre- 
tary shall withhold payment of such further amount of such judg- 
ment, or claim, as in his opinion will be sufficient to cover all legal 
charges and costs in prosecuting the debt of the United States to 
final judgment. 

And if such debt is not already in suit, it shall be the duty of 
the Secretary to cause legal proceedings to be immediately com- 
menced to enforce the same, and to cause the same to be prose- 
cuted to final judgment with all reasonable dispatch. 
Balance, how And if in such action judgment shall be rendered against the 
claimant^ ^ b° United States, or the amount recovered for debt and costs shall be 

tains judgment i ess than the amount so withheld as before provided, the balance 

against United 

States. shall then be paid over to such plaintiff by such Secretary, with 

six per cent interest thereon for the time it has been withheld 

from the plaintiff. 

Approved March 3, 1875. 

Postmasters, Postmasters of the fourth and fifth class shall be appointed and 

a n P d X Removal mav De removed by the Postmaster-General, and all others shall 

of- n c, e oooa be appointed and may be removed by the" President, by and with 
a. fe., § ooou. 

the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold their offices 

for four years unless sooner removed or suspended according to 

Notice to law. All appointments and removals shall be notified to the Sixth 
Auditor. 

Auditor. 

Approved July 12, 1876. 

Allowances The Postmaster-General may designate offices at the intersec- 
for clerk hire . 
at distributing tion of mail routes as distributing or separating offices ; and where 

a?d eS f°o f u t ?t r h an ^ sucn office is of tne third (° r ) fourth * * * class he may 
Cla R S | S ' s 3859 make a reasonable allowance to the postmaster for the necessary 
' cost of clerical services arising from such duties. 
Approved July 12, 1876. 

Mail matter, Mailable matter of the second class shall embrace all matter 

second els ^ss 

defined. ' exclusively in print and regularly issued at stated periods from 

R. S., § 3877. a known office of publication without addition by writing, mark, 
or sign. 

Approved July 12, 1876. 

third^laSs^de- Mailable matter of the third class shall embrace all pamphlets, 

fined. ' occasional publications, transient newspapers, magazines, hand- 

' bills, posters, unsealed circulars, prospectuses, books, book manu- 



69 

scripts, proof sheets, corrected proof sheets, maps, prints, engrav- 
ings, blanks, flexible patterns, samples of merchandise not exceed- 
ing twelve ounces in weight, sample cards, phonographic paper, 
letter envelopes, postal envelopes and wrappers, cards, plain and 
ornamental paper, photographic representations of different types, 
seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and all other matter which may 
be declared mailable by law, and all other articles not above the 
weight prescribed by law. which are not, from their form or nature, 
liable to destroy, deface, or otherwise injure the contents of the 
mail bag or the person of anyone engaged in the postal service. 
All liquids, poisons, glass, explosive materials, and obscene books 
shall be excluded from the mails. All matter of the third class, 
excepting books and other printed matter, book manuscripts, proof 
sheets and corrected proof sheets, packages of seeds, cuttings, 
bulbs, roots, and scions shall not exceed twelve ounces in weight, 
and packages of seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, and scions shall not 
exceed four pounds in weight ; and all matter of the third class 
shall be subject to examination and to rates of postage as here- 
inafter provided. Samples of metals, ores, and mineralogical 
specimens shall not exceed twelve ounces in weight, and shall be 
subject to examination and to rates of postage as hereinafter 
provided. 

Approved July 12, 1876. 

Publishers of newspapers and periodicals may print or write Newspapers, 

nor m i s s i u 1 c 

upon their publications sent to regular subscribers the address of writing on. 
the subscriber and the date when the subscription expires, and R " Sl ' * 3886 - 
may inclose therein bills and receipts for subscriptions thereto 
without subjecting such publications to extra postage. 
Approved July 12, 1876. 

[No obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, paper, Obscene 
... .. - . -, *. X. x- , books, etc., not 

print, or other publication of an indecent character, or any article mailable. 

or thing designed or intended for the prevention of conception or R - s -' ^ 3893 - 
procuring of abortion, nor any article or thing intended or adapted 
for any indecent or immoral use or nature, nor any written or 
printed card, circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of 
any kind, giving information, directly or indirectly, where, or 
how, or of whom, or by what means either of the thing before 
mentioned may be obtained or made, nor any letter upon the envel- 
ope of which, or postal card upon which indecent or scurrilous 
epithets may be written or printed* shall be carried in the mail ; 
and any person who shall knowingly deposit or cause to be de- 
posited, for mailing or delivery, any of the hereinbefore-mentioned 
articles or things, or any notice or paper containing any advertise- 
ment relating to the aforesaid articles or things, and any person 
who, in pursuance of any plan or scheme for disposing of any of 
the hereinbefore-mentioned articles or things, shall take, or cause 
to be taken, from the mail any such letter or package shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, for every offense, be —penalty. 
fined not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than five thou- 
sand dollars, or imprisoned at hard labor not less than one year 
nor more than ten years, or both.] [Every obscene, lewd, or 
lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, paper, writing, print, or other 



70 



— penalty. 



publication of an indecent character, and every article or thing 
designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procur- 
ing of abortion, and every article or thing intended or adapted for 
any indecent or immoral use, and every written or printed card, 
circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of any kind 
giving information, directly or indirectly, where, or how, or of 
whom, or by what means, any of the hereinbefore-mentioned mat- 
ters, articles, or things may be obtained or made, and every letter 
upon the envelope of which, or postal card upon which, indecent, 
lewd, obscene, or lascivious delineations, epithets, terms, or lan- 
guage may be written or printed, are hereby declared to be nonmail- 
able matter, and shall not be conveyed in the mails, nor delivered 
from any post-office nor by any letter carrier ; and any person who 
shall knowingly deposit, or cause to be deposited, for mailing or 
delivery, anything declared by this section to be nonmailable mat- 
ter, and any person who shall knowingly take the same, or cause 
the same to be taken from the mails, for the purpose of circulating 
or disposing of, or of aiding in the circulation or disposition of the 
same, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall for each 
and every offence be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor 
more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned at hard labor not 
less than one year nor more than ten years, or both, at the discre- 
tion of the court. And all offences committed under said original 
section thirty-eight hundred and ninety-three of the Revised Stat- 
utes prior to the approval of this act may be prosecuted and pun- 
ished under the said original section in the same manner and with 
the same effect as if this act had not been passed.] 
Approved July 12, 1876. 



Lottery cir- No letter or circular concerning (illegal) lotteries, so-called gift 
cul&rs etc. 

not mailable. ' concerts, or other similar enterprises, offering prizes, or concern- 
Pi. S., § 3894. ing sc h emes devised and intended to deceive and defraud the 
public for the purpose of obtaining money under false pretenses, 
shall be carried in the mail. Any person who shall knowingly 
deposit or send anything to be conveyed by mail in violation of 
— penalty. this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five 

hundred dollars nor less than one hundred dollars, with costs of 
prosecution. 

Approved July 12, 1876. 



The Postmaster-General 



is hereby authorized and 



Compensa- 
lO^ei^cent. 6 directed to readjust the compensation to be paid from and after 
I2 187 h ' 179 1 1 the nrst day of July ' eighteen hundred and seventy-six, for trans- 
portation of mails on railroad routes by reducing the compensa- 



1; 1 Sup p. 
110. 

19 Stat. L. 

79. 



tion to all railroad companies for the transportation of mails ten 
per centum per annum from the rates fixed and allowed by the 
first section of an act entitled "An act making appropriations for 
the service of the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year end- 
ing Jime thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four, and for 
other purposes," approved March third, eighteen hundred and 
seventy -three (R. S., § 4002), for the transportation of mails on 
the basis of the average weight. 
Approved July 12, 1876. 



71 

The annual reports of the Auditor for the Post-Office Depart- Financial 

ment to the Postmaster-General shall show the financial condition shown by re- 

of the Post-Office Department at the close of each fiscal year, and gJJ* of Audi " 

be made a part of the Postmaster-General's annual report to Con- 1876, July 

.,,,„, 12, eh. 179, § 

gress for that fiscal year. 4 ; 1 s u p p . , 

Approved July 12, 1876. i' 1 ^ gtat L ' 

80. 
Postmasters shall be divided into four classes, as follows: . Class iflca- 

The first class shall embrace all those whose annual salaries are masters. 
three thousand dollars or more than three thousand dollars ; I2 18 cl?' 1*79 * f 

5, ' l s up p . , 
110. 

19 Stat. L., 
80. 
— first class. 

The second class shall embrace all those whose annual salaries — second class, 
are less than three thousand dollars, but not less than two thou- 
sand dollars ; 

The third class shall embrace all those whose annual salaries third class. 

are less than two thousand dollars, but not less than one thousand 
dollars ; 

The fourth class shall embrace all postmasters whose annual fourth class. 

compensation, exclusive of their commissions on the money-order 
business of their offices, amounts to less than one thousand 
dollars. 

Approved July 12, 1876. 

Postmasters of the first, second, and third classes shall be Appointment 

appointed and may be removed by the President, by and with the p^^SteS 1 ° f 

advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold their offices for 1876, July 

. . 12, ch. 179, § 6, 

four years unless sooner removed or suspended according to law ; 1 Supp., 110. 

and postmasters of the fourth class shall be appointed and may g0 19 stat - L -' 

be removed by the Postmaster-General, by whom all appointments —of first, sec- 

and removals shall be notified to the Auditor for the Post-Office classes. 

Department. ^f s fourth 

Approved July 12, 1876. 

Railroad companies whose railroad was constructed in whole LaWcl - grant 

or in part by a land grant made by Congress on the condition 10 igjQ j u 1 y 

that the mails should be transported over their road at such price 1 2 .,' q ch - „*■ 7 9 ' 

as Congress should by law direct shall receive only eighty per iio. ' 

centum of the compensation authorized by this act. 82 at * L '' 

Approved July 12, 1876. —rate of com- 

pensation to. 

No stamped envelopes or newspaper wrappers shall be sold by Stamped en- 
the Post-Office Department at less (in addition to the legal post- C ost P6S 
age) than the cost, including all salaries, clerk hire, and other -.g-g 11 ^ J 7 2 9 ' 
expenses connected therewith. I 14, 19 Stat! 

Approved July 12, 1876. L " 82 ' 

Addresses upon postal cards * * * may be either written, Postal cards. 

printed, or affixed thereto, at the option of the sender. 7~^ d ^ 1 n ess l a " 

Approved July 12, 1876. 18 7 6, July 

15' 1 Supp., 
110. 

19 Stat. L., 
82. 



72 

Guarantee of Every proposal for carrying the mail shall be accompanied by a 
It. S., § 3945. written guarantee, signed by one or more responsible persons, and 
undertaking that, within such time after the bid is accepted as 
the Postmaster-General may prescribe, the bidder will enter into 
an obligation, with good and sufficient sureties, to perform the 
service proposed; and no proposals shall be considered unless 
accompanied by such guarantee. 
Approved August 11, 1876. 

Oath of bid- Each bid for carrying the mail shall hereafter have affixed to it 
dei- for carry- 
ing mail. the oath of the bidder, taken before an officer qualified to ad- 
it, s., § 3945. m i n j S j- er oaths, that he has the pecuniary ability to fulfill his 
obligations, and that the bid is made in good faith and with the 
intention to enter into contract and perform the service, in case 
his bid shall be accepted ; and that the signatures of his guar- 
antors are genuine, and that he believes the guarantors pecuniarily 
responsible for and able to pay all damages the United States shall 
suffer by reason of the bidder's failing to perform his obligations 
as such bidder. 

Approved August 11, 1876. 

Ca rryi n g After any regular bidder or contractor for the transportation of 
mail — proceed- 
ings on failure the mail upon any route shall have failed to enter into contract, 

contractor. 0I and commence the performance as herein provided, the Post- 
It. S., § 3951. master-General shall proceed to contract with the next lowest 
bidder for such service, who will enter into a contract and per- 
form the same, unless the Postmaster-General shall consider such 
bid too high, in which case he shall readvertise such service. And 
in all cases of regular contracts hereafter made the contract may, 

Extension of in the discretion of the Postmaster-General, be continued in force 
contracts — for , ,., , . . , , , ,.. ,, 

six months, au- beyond its express terms for a period not exceeding six months, 

thorized. until a new contract with the same or other contractors shall be 

made by the Postmaster-General. The Postmaster-General may 
contract, without advertisement, for a period not to exceed twelve 
months, for the carriage of the mail on such route during the time 
that shall necessarily elapse between the failure of either of the 
accepted bidders to enter into a contract and the time when the 
next accepted bidder under the old or a new advertisement shall 
enter upon his contract ; and the difference between the price pro- 
posed in the accepted bid and that paid for intermediate service 
shall be charged to the failing bidder or bidders, and may be re- 
covered in the name of the United States for the use of the Post- 
Office Department, in an action on the case. And when the con- 
tract shall be made and concluded, the difference between the 
accepted bid of the failing bidders and the amount payable under 
the contract for the service of two years shall be forthwith 
charged against the failing bidder or bidders ; and an action for 
such sum in the nature of liquidated damages shall accrue to the 
United States for the use of the Post-Office Department imme- 
diately upon the execution of the final contract And both causes 
o£ action mentioned in this section may be joined in one suit. 
Approved August 11, 1876. 



73 

[Any person or persons bidding for the transportation of the Carrying 
mails upon any route which may be advertised to be let, and receiv- S^enter^into 
ing an award of the contract for such service, who shall wrong- co ° tr 2 ct - c on _ . 

K. o., § oUo4. 

fully refuse or fail to enter into contract with the Postmaster- 
General in due form, and perform the service described in his or 
their bid or proposal, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 
and be punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, — penalty. 
and by imprisonment for not more than twelve months.] [Any 
person or persons bidding for the transportation of the mails 
upon, any route which may be advertised to be let, and receiving 
an award of the contract for such service, who shall wrongfully 
refuse or fail to enter into contract with the Postmaster-General 
in due form to perform the service described in his or their. bid or 
proposal, or having entered into such contract shall wrongfully 
refuse or fail to perform such service, shall, for any such failure 
oi" refusal, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and be punished 
by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, and by imprison- — penalty. 
ment for not more than twelve months. And the failure or refusal 
of any such person or persons to enter into such contract in due 
form, or having entered into such contract the failure or refusal 
to perform such service, shall be prima facie evidence in all 
actions or prosecutions arising under this section that such failure 
or refusal was wrongful.] 
Approved August 11, 1876. 

Before the bond of a bidder (for carrying the mail) * * * Sureties on 

is approved, there shall be indorsed thereon the oaths of the sure- <j ers . 

ties therein, taken before an officer qualified to administer oaths, ii 18 c ^ 6 '960 U§ i 

that they are owners of real estate worth in the aggregate a sum Su'pp-. 116 - 

double the amount of said bond, over and above all debts due and 129. 

owing by them, and all judgments, mortgages, and executions 7^^, to l3e 

against them, after allowing all exemptions of every character — qualification 

whatever. Accompanying said bond, and as a part thereof, there ^interrogat o - 

shall be a - series of interrogatories, in print or writing, to be pre- ries *? J^ aB " 
01 » 1 swered by. 

scribed by the Postmaster-General, and answered by the sureties 
under oath, showing the amount of real estate owned by them, a 
brief description thereof, and its probable value, where it is situ- 
ated, in what county and State the record evidence of their title 
exists. And if any surety shall knowingly and willfully swear penalty for 
falsely to any statement made under the provisions of this section false swearing. 
he shall be deemed guilty of perjury, and, on conviction thereof, 
be punished as is provided by law for commission of the crime of 
perjury. (See R. S., § 5392.) 
Approved August 31, 1876. 

* * * After any regular bidder whose bid has been accepted .?l ail t ure t °* 

shall fail to enter into contract for the transportation of the mails into contract or 

according to his proposals, or having entered into contract shall commence°serv 

fail to commence the performance of the service stipulated in his ice. 

or their contract as therein provided, the Postmaster-General shall n, C n. 260, i 

proceed to contract with the next lowest bidder or bidders in Su pp- l*|^ ^ 

the order of their bids, for the same service, who will enter into 129. 

new contract 

a contract for the performance thereof, unless the Postmaster- i n case of. 



74 

General shall consider such bid or bids too high, and in case each 
of said bids shall be considered too high, then the Postmaster- 
General shall be authorized to enter into contract, at a price less 
than that named in said bids, with any person, whether a bidder 
or not, who will enter into contract to perform the service in 
accordance with the terms and provisions prescribed for the execu- 
tion of other contracts for similar service, and in case no satis- 
factory contract can be thus obtained, he shall readvertise such 
route. 
Approved August 11, 1876. 

Failure of * * * if anv bidder whose bid has been accepted, and who 
contractor t o 
perform serv- has entered into a contract to perform the service according to 

1Ce i876, Aug. nis Proposal, and in pursuance of his contract has entered upon 
11, ch. 260, 1 the performance of the service, to the satisfaction of the Postmas- 
ter-General, shall subsequently fail or refuse to perform the service 
according to his contract, the Postmaster-General shall proceed to 
contract with the next lowest bidder for such service, under the 
advertisement thereof (unless the Postmaster-General shall con- 
sider such bid too high), who will enter into contract and give 
bond, with sureties to be approved by the Postmaster-General, for 
the faithful performance thereof, in the same penalty and with the 
same terms and condition thereto annexed as were stated and 

— new con- contained in the bond which accompanied his bid; and in case 

tract in case 

of. said next lowest bidder shall decline to enter into contract for 

the performance of such service, then the Postmaster-General may 
award the service to, and enter into contract with, any person, 
whether a bidder on said route or not, who will enter into contract 
to perform the service and execute a bond of like tenor and effect 
as that required of bidders, in a penalty to be prescribed, and with 
sureties to be approved by the Postmaster-General, for the per- 
formance of the service contracted to be performed at a price not 
exceeding that named in the bid of the said next lowest bidder ; 
and if no contract can be secured at the price named in said next 
lowest bid, then the Postmaster-General shall proceed to secure a 
contract, at a price not considered too high, with any person who 
will execute such contract in accordance with the law applicable 
thereto, giving, in all cases, the preference to the regular bidders 
on the list whose bids do not exceed the price at which others 
will contract therefor ; and if no satisfactory contract can be thus 
secured, the route shall be readvertised. 
Approved August 11, 1876. 

Temporary Whenever an accepted bidder shall fail to enter into contract, 
1876, Aug. or a contractor on any mail route shall fail or refuse to perform 
Supp 117 • * ue service on said route according to his contract, or when a new 
1879 June 12, route shall be established or new service required, or when, from 
266." ' "' any other cause, there shall not be a contractor legally bound or 

— where^ b i d - re q U j re ^ to perform such service, the Postmaster-General may 
sign contract, make a temporary contract for carrying the mail on such route, 
route, etc. without advertisement, for such period as may be necessary, not 

■ how secured. j n any . case exceeding one year, until the service shall have com- 
menced under a contract made according to law: Provided, how- 
— cost of. ever, That the Postmaster-General shall not employ temporary 



75 

service on any route at a higher price than that paid to the con- 
tractor who shall have performed the service during the last pre- 
ceding contract term. 

Approved August 11, 1870. 

Any person or persons bidding for the transportation of the Failure to 

mails upon any route which may be advertised to be let, and perform 11 c o n - 

receiving an award of the contract for such service, who shall g^j ce for mail 

wrongfully refuse or fail to enter into contract with the Post- 1876, Aug. 

master-General in due form to perform the service described in supp., 118. ' 

his or their bid or proposal, or having entered into such contract 

shall wrongfully refuse or fail to perform such service, shall, for — penalty. 

any such failure or refusal, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 

and be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, 

and by imprisonment for not more than twelve months. And the Prima facie 

GviclGnco of vi- 
failure or refusal of any such person or persons to enter into such i a ti n, what to 

contract in due form, or having entered into such contract the constitute, 
failure or refusal to perform such service, shall be prima facie evi- 
dence in all actions or prosecutions arising under this section that 
such failure or refusal was wrongful. 
Approved August 11. 187(5. 

The head of each Department is authorized to prescribe regu- Regulations. 
lations, not inconsistent with law, for the government of his Postmaster- 
Department, the conduct of its officers and clerks, the distribution General may 

1 prescribe. 
and performance of its business, and the custody, use, and preser- 
vation of the records, papers, and property appertaining to it. 

Approved August 15, 1876. 

In making any reduction of force in any of the executive Dismissal of 
departments, the head of such department shall retain those per- |o?d iers. e € 
sons who may be equally qualified who have been honorably dis- a " d widows 
charged from the military or naval service of the United States, of, to be re- 
and the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers and sailors. iJe^when. 861 

Approved August 15, 1876. lS^Jh ' 287 g § 

3,.l Supp-, 120. 

It shall be the duty of every disbursing officer having any public Disbursing 
J J & & j * officers to de- 

money intrusted to him for disbursement to deposit the same with posit. 

R S § S6°0 

the Treasurer or some one of the assistant treasurers of the United __ w "jth' whom.' 

States and to draw for the same only as it may be required for 

payments to be made by him in pursuance of law (and draw for 

the same only in favor of the persons to whom payment is made) ; 

and all transfers from the Treasurer of the United States to a Transfers. 

disbursing officer shall be by draft or warrant on the Treasury or 

an assistant treasurer of the United States. * * * 

Approved February 27, 1877. 

« 

In every such contract or agreement to be made* or entered into contracts to 
or accepted by or on behalf of the United States there shall be that^Members 
inserted an express condition that no Member of (or Delegate to) of Congress 
Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of such contract terested. 
or agreement or to any benefit to arise thereupon. R - s -' § 3741 - 

Note.— See R. S., § 3739, which provides that Members of Con- No te. 
gress shall not be interested in contracts. 

Approved February 27, 1877. 



76 

Assistant There shall be in the Post-Office Department three Assistant 

General. Postmasters-General, who shall be appointed by the President, by 

R. s., § 389. an( j w jth the advice and consent of the Senate, and who may be 
— term of of- 
fice of. removed in the same manner and who shall be entitled to a salary 

of four thousand dollars a year each. 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

General du- it shall be the duty of the Postmaster-General : 
ties of the Post- _. , _ , ... , , ,. ,. , ..-_ 

master -Gen- First. To establish and discontinue post-offices. 

61 r' S § 396 Second. To instruct all persons in the postal service with refer- 
Post-offices. ence to their duties. 

Official pa- Third. To decide on the forms of all official papers. 
^Finances Fourth. To prescribe the manner of keeping and stating ac- 

counts. 

Fifth. To enforce the prompt rendition of returns relative to 
accounts. 

Sixth. To control, according to law and subject to the settle- 
ment of the Auditor for the Post-Office Department, all expenses 
incident to the service of the Department. 

Seventh. To superintend the disposal of the moneys of the 
Department. 

Eighth. To direct the manner in which balances shall be paid 
over ; issue warrants to cover money into the Treasury, and to pay 
out the same. 

General su- Ninth. To superintend generally the business of the Depart- 
pervision of 

Department ment and execute all laws relative to the postal service, 
and postal 
service. 

Note : Mis- Note. — As to certain duties of the Postmaster-General not di- 

ties not con- rectly connected with the postal service, see Title One, ch. 15 
postal service 1 (G° veram ent telegrams) ; R. S., § 3734 (approval of plans for 
public buildings) ; R. S., §§ 5579 and 5585 (as member of Smith- 
sonian Institution). 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

Newspapers, The rate of postage on newspapers, excepting weeklies, peri- 
age. P ° S odicals not exceeding two ounces in weight, and circulars, when 
R. S., § 3872. ^ lie S a m e are deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by 
the office or its carriers, shall be uniform at one cent each ; but 
periodicals weighing more than two ounces shall be subject to a 
postage of two cents each, and these rates shall be prepaid by 
stamps. 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

Third class All mail matter of the third class must be prepaid in full in 
ment ei of post- postage stamps at the office of mailing. 
a§ R.°s n ' § 3897. A PP rovecl March 3, 1877. 

Letters, post- On all mail matter which is wholly or partly in writing, except 
a8 R.°S., § 3903. DOok manuscripts and corrected proofs passing between authors 
and publishers, and local or drop letters ; on all printed matter 
which is so marked as to convey any other or further information 
than is conveyed by the original print, except the correction of 
mere typographical errors ; on all matter which is sent in viola- 
tion of law or the regulations of the Department respecting in- 



77 

closures ; and on all matter to which no specific rate of postage 
is assigned, postage shall be charged at the rate of three cents for 
each half ounce or fraction thereof. 
Approved March 3, 1877. 



On newspapers and other periodical publications, not exceeding Printed mat- 
four ounces in weight, sent from a known office of publication * n r ' postage 
to regular subscribers, postage shall be charged at the following R. S., § 3905. 
rates per quarter, namely : On publications issued less frequently 
than once a week, at the rate of one cent for each issue ; issued 
once a week, five cents ; and five cents additional for each issue 
more frequent than once a week. And an additional rate shall 
be charged for each additional four ounces or fraction thereof in 
weight. 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

That from and after the passage of this act the bonds of all Bonds of 
postmasters may by the direction of the Postmaster-General be approval of. 
approved and accepted, and the approval and acceptance signed Act Mar. 3, 
by the First Assistant Postmaster-General in the name of the sec . 2. 19 stat! 
Postmaster-General. L -' 335 - 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

All contracts for stationery, wrapping paper, letter balances, Signing of 

oontrs o1~^ 

scales, and street letter boxes, for the use of the postal service 18 7 7,' Mar. 

may be signed * * * by the First Assistant Postmater-Gen- § ' § h 2J4 3 £ 

eral in the place and stead of the Postmaster-General, and his Supp., 135! 

signature shall be attested by the seal of the Post-Office Depart- p. m. g. 
nipllt — for supplies. 

menr - —street letter 

The Second Assistant Postmaster-General on the order of the boxes. 

Postmaster-General may sign with his name, in the place and p. m°g 

stead of the Postmaster-General, and attest his signature by the 

seal of the Post-Office Department, all contracts made in the said 

Department for mail transportation and for supplies of mail bags, _ f r m a i l 

mail catchers, mail locks, and keys, and all other articles neces- IS^J 1 spor " 



sary and incidental to mail transportation. — m a i 1 

The Third Assistant Postmaster-General, when directed by Third Asst 

the Postmaster-General, may also sign, in his name, in the place P. M. G. 

and stead of the Postmaster-General, and attest his signature by 

the seal of the Post-Office Department, all contracts for supplies 

of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, newspapers wrappers, postal — for stamps, 

cards, registered-package envelopes, locks, seals, and official en- |* r a ^ e d pa " 

velopes for the use of postmasters, and return of dead letters, — official e n - 

velopes, etc. 
that may be required for the postal service. 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

It shall be lawful (for all officers of the United States Gov- pe °fity C ^ivel- 
ernment, not including members of Congress, and the Smith- opes. 
sonian Institution, the National Home for Disabled Volunteer C h. 103, § 5', i 
Soldiers, and the Bureau of the American Republics, established ^^'' q^ 5 ' w ^ 
in Washington) to transmit through the mail, free of postage, any entitled to. 
letters, packages, or other matters relating exclusively to the 1884, e July *5, 
business of the Government of the United States (or of such g^- 234, | f^ 1 



78 

1886, July 2, Institution, Home, or Bureau) : Provided, That every such letter 

Sup p. 5 6 . or package to entitle it to pass free shall bear over the words 

1 if 4 ' 3^01 1& 2 " Official business " an endorsement showing also the name of 

Supp., 257. the Department, and, if from a bureau or office (or officer), the 

1897 Feb 20 

ch. ' 2 6 8, ~ 2 names of the Department and Bureau or office (or officer), as the 

Supp., 558.) case ma y be< whence transmitted (with a statement of the penalty 

meuts on. for their misuse). And if any person shall make use of any 

unlawful 7 use? 1 such official envelope to avoid the payment of postage on his 

private letter, package, or other matter in the mail, the person 

so offending shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject 

to a fine of three hundred dollars, to be prosecuted in any court 

of competent jurisdiction. 

Approved March 3, 1877. 

Subletting of No sub-letting or transfer of any mail contracts shall be per- 
° i878,°May 17, m itted without the consent in writing of the Postmaster-General ; 

ch. 107, § 2, l am } whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the Postmaster- 

Supp., 165. 

— Postmaster- General that any contractor has sub-let or transferred his contract, 

authorize. m * y except with the consent of the Postmaster-General as aforesaid, 

—in case of, the same shall be considered as violated and the service may be 
without per- 
mission, to be again advertised as herein provided for ; and the contractor and 
annulled. Wg sureties shall be liable on their bond to tlie United States for 

any damage resulting to the United States in the premises. 
Approved May 17, 1878. 

Manner o f When any person or persons being under contract with the 

tracts ting C ° n " Government of the United States for carrying the mails shall law- 

1878, May fully sub-let any such contract, or lawfully employ any other 
17, ch. 107, § 
3, 1 Supp., 165. person or persons to perform the service by such contractor agreed 

to be performed, or any part thereof, he or they shall file in the 

Copy of con- office of the Second Assistant Postmaster-General a copy of his 

filed. ° e 01 * their contract ; and thereupon it shall be the duty of the Sec- 
Auditor t o ond Assistant Postmaster-General to notify the Auditor for the 

be notified. p os t-Office Department of the fact of the filing in his office of such 
contract. Said notice shall embrace the name or names of the 
original contractor or contractors, the number of the route or 
routes, the name or names of the sub-contractor or sub-contractors, 
and the amount agreed to be paid to the sub-contractor or sub- 
Auditor t o contractors. And upon the receipt of said notice by the Auditor 

tractor. SU Q for the Post-Office Department it shall be his duty to retain, out 
of the amount due the original contractor or contractors, the 
amount stated in said notice as agreed to be paid to the sub-con- 
tractor or sub-contractors, and shall pay said amount, upon the 
certificate of the Second Assistant Postmaster-General, to the 
sub-contractor or sub-contractors, under the same rules and regu- 
lations now governing the payments made to original contractors : 

—proviso. Provided, That upon satisfactory evidence that the original con- 

tractor or contractors have paid off and discharged the amount 
due under his or their contract to the sub-contractor or sub-con- 
tractors, it shall be the duty of the Second Assistant Postmaster- 
General to certify such fact to the Auditor for the Post-Office 
Department: and thereupon said Auditor shall settle with the 
original contractor or contractors, under the same rules as are 
now provided by law for such settlements. 
Approved May 17, 1878, 



79 

* * * The Postmaster-General may contract with the owners Contracts for 

. , , . , , , , ! i • service upon 

or masters of steamships, steamboats, or other vessels plying upon domestic water 

the waters or between ports of the United States for carrying the JJrvfce isiiVw 8 

mails upon such routes where no mail service has previously been 1878, May 

performed, without advertising for proposals therefor; but no con- 5/1 Supp., 165. 

tract for such new service shall be for a longer time than one year, "duration^of 

Approved May 17, 1S78. 

When from any cause it may become necessary to make a new Contracts for 

contract for carrying the mails upon any water route between the domestic water 

ports of the United States, upon which mail service has previously routes where 

service has pre- 
been performed, the Postmaster-General may contract with the viously h e e n 

owner or master of any steamship, steamboat, or other vessel ply- pe i87 ™ e May 

ing upon the waters or between ports of the United States, for 1 7 > £h- 107, § 

5, 1 Supp., I60. 
carrying the mail upon said route for any length of time not 

exceeding four years and without advertising for proposals there- — duration of. 

for whenever the public interest and convenience will thereby be — how made. 

promoted; but the price paid for such service shall in no case be Compensa^ 

greater than the average price paid under the last preceding or 

then existing regular contract upon the same route. 

Approved May 17, 1878. 

* * * No contract for carrying the mails between the United Limit of con- 
States and any foreign port shall be for a longer time than two f™g* s- fS*eign 
years, unless otherwise directed by Congress. m i»78 m 

Approved May 17. 1878. ch. 107, § 5, i 

Supp., 166. 

* * * And it shall be the duty of the several accounting Claims under 
officers of the Treasury to continue to receive, examine, and con- ^avaHable^ 
sider the justice and validity of all claims under appropriations propriations. 
the balances of which have been exhausted or carried to the sur- 14, C h.' 191, § 
plus fund under the provisions of said section (act June 20, 1874) 4 ' 1 Su PP-> 18 °- 
that may be brought before them within a period of fiye years. 

Approved June 14, 1878. 

The Postmaster-General may require a sworn statement to ac- Sworn state- 
company each quarterly account of a postmaster. * * * The jJJ^ ^ccounSj 
form of affidavit to be made by postmasters upon their returns when. 

shall be such as may be prescribed by the Postmaster-General. 17, C h.' 259, 1 
* * * Supp., 186. 

Approved June 17, 1878. 

That in any case where the Postmaster-General shall be satis- False returns 
fiecl that a postmaster has made a false return of business, it shall ^fgfg^j^ [% 
be within his discretion to withhold commissions on such returns, 17, ch. 259, 1 
and to allow any compensation that under the circumstances he ' Postmaster- 
may deem reasonable. * * * g^compensV- 

Approved June 17, 1878. tion in case of, 

* * * Any postmaster who shall make a false return to the False re- 
Auditor, for the purpose of fraudulently increasing his compensa- Asters 5 " post " 

tion under the provisions of this or any other act, shall be deemed 1878, .Tune 

17 ch °59 1 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined Supp-, 186. ' 

in a sum not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars, or penalty, 



80 

imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or punished by 
both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. 
Approved June 17, 1878. 

Sale of No postmaster of any class, or other person connected with the 

opes, etc. postal service, entrusted with the sale or custody of postage 

l7 18 <Jh' 259 n f stamps, stamped envelopes, or postal cards, shall use or dispose of 

Su'pp., 187. them in the payment of debts or in the purchase of merchandise 

3920. or other salable articles, or pledge or hypothecate the same, or sell 

— to be at face or dispose of them except for cash, or sell or dispose of postage 

value ° etc? U & stamps or postal cards for any larger or less sum than the values 

indicated on their faces, or sell or dispose of stamped envelopes 

for a larger or less sum than is charged therefor by the Post-Office 

Department for like quantities, or sell or dispose of postage stamps, 

stamped envelopes, or postal cards otherwise than as provided by 

law and the regulations of the Post-Office Department ; and any 

— penalty for postmaster, or other person connected with the postal service, who 

shall violate any of these provisions, shall be deemed guilty of a 

misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined in any 

sum not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars 

or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year. 

Approved June 17, 1878. 

Compensa- The Postmaster-General * * * is hereby authorized and 
roads reduced directed to readjust the compensation to be paid from and after 
more Pei ° ent tlie first day of J ul ^' eighteen hundred and seventy-eight, for trans- 
1878, June portation of mails on railroad routes by reducing the compensa- 
1 ,' 1 S u p p . , tion to all railroad companies for the transportation of mails five 
187# per centum per annum from the rates for the transportation of 

mails, on the basis of the average weight fixed and allowed by the 
first section of an act entitled "An act making appropriations for 
the service of the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year end- 
ing June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, and for 
other purposes," approved July twelfth, eighteen hundred and 
seventy-six. 
Approved June 17, 1878. 

Rates for ad- All advertisements, notices, proposals for contracts, and all 
vortisin *. 
1878, & J u n e other forms of advertising required by law for the several De- 

lupp.f'202. 9 ' 1 partments of the Government may be paid for at a price not to 

See 18 7 6, exceed the commercial rates charged to private individuals, with 

246, 1 Supp.i the usual discounts ; such rates to be ascertained from sworn state- 

— n o t to ex- ments to be furnished by the proprietors or publishers of the 

ceed commer- newspapers proposing so to advertise : * * * But the heads 

of the several Departments may secure lower terms at special 

rates whenever the public interest requires it. 

Approved June 20, 1878. 

Uniform can- rpj^ Postmaster-General * * * is hereby authorized to adopt 
celmg mk. 
1878, June a uniform canceling ink or other appliance for canceling stamps 



lupp. h *203. 9 ' 1 which experiments and tests have proved or may prove to be 

~, m X y x, b e the most practicable and the best calculated to protect the revenues 

adopted, when. * „ ,. ., J , , 

of the Department from the frauds practiced upon it, to be used 

in all the post-offices where stamps are canceled ; and he is hereby 



81 

authorized to distribute said canceling ink or other appliance in 

the same manner as other supplies are now distributed to the —distribution 

different post-offices in the United States. * * * 

Note. — The remaining portion of the statute relates to funds Note, 
made available for the purchase of ink, but as the annual appro- 
priation acts contain an item for this purpose it is omitted. 

Approved June 20. 1878. 

* * * Any officer of the United States, or any assistant of Embezzle- 
such officer, who shall embezzle or wrongfully convert to his own r property not 
use any money or property which may have come into his posses- °gbabie ise PUn 
sion or under his control in the execution of such office or employ- 1879. Feb. 3, 
ment, or under color or claim of authority as such officer or assist- 21.3. ' 

ant. whether the same shall be the money or property of the United 

States or of some other person or party, shall, where the offense 

is not otherwise punishable by some statute of the United States. 

be punished by a fine equal to the value of the money and prop- — penalty. 

erty thus embezzled or converted, or by imprisonment not less 

than three months nor more than ten years, or by both such fine 

and imprisonment. 

Approved February 3, 1879. 

When a deficiency shall be discovered in the accounts of any Deficiencies 
postmaster, who after the adjustment of his accounts fails to make ^ers" accoimts 
good such deficiency, it shall be the duty of the Auditor for the , 18 .7J\ £ eb - 4 

" ch. 4o. 1 Supp. 

Post-Office Department to notify the Postmaster-General of such 214. 
failure, and upon receiving such notice the Postmaster-General ^ ° to 16 post 
shall forthwith deposit a notice in* the post-office at Washington, master - Gen- 
District of Columbia, addressed to the sureties respectively upon — sureties t o 
the bonds of said postmaster, at the office where he or they may e notl e ' 
reside, if known. But a failure to give or mail such notice shall 
not discharge such surety or sureties upon such bonds. 
Approved February 4. 1879. 

In case any increase or diminution of service by postal cars shall Postal-car 

service 
be made by (the Postmaster-General), the reasons therefor shall 1879, Mar. 3, 

be given in his annual report next succeeding such increase or £, n • 1 |\^' 1 

diminution. — report of in- 

, , , r . ..o-,-, crease or dimi- 

Approved March 3, 18 < 9. nution of. 

* * * In making his estimate for railway mail service, the Estimates 
Postmaster-General shall separate the estimate for postal-car Mail Service.' 17 
service from the general estimates. c ^ S79 { g X ar- \ 

Approved March 3, ]879. Supp., 245.' 

Nothing contained in section 3982 of the Revised Statutes shall Carrying 

be construed as prohibiting any person from receiving and deliv- ™\ e express 

ering to the nearest post-office or postal car mail matter properly j^xJeption 11 ' 

stamped. 1879. Mar. 3, 

i Ar 1 o -.o-n ch. 1 SO, 1 

Approved March 3, 18 < 9. Supp., 245. 

(Railway) postal clerks * * * shall not be required to wear Cap or badge 

to be worn by 
uniform other than a cap or badge. postal clerks. 

Approved March 3, 1879. C h 187 l 80? \ 

Supp., 245.' 
6300—07 6 



82 

Postmaster- The Postmaster-General shall, in all cases, decide upon what 

c f de a w°h a G t trains and in what manner the mails shall be conveyed. 

^i 118 JLn? l ] Approved March 3, 1879. 
carry mails. L L ' 

1879, Mar. 3, ch. 180, § 3, 1 Supp., 246. 

Style, char- All cars or parts of cars used for the railway mail service shall 

fj p "j" p l* JITlCl 

equipment o f be of such style, length, and character, and furnished in such man- 
P °l879 B( Mar 11 3 ner as sna ^ De required by the Postmaster-General, and shall be 
ch. 180, § 4, i constructed, fitted up, maintained, heated, and lighted by and at 
Supp., 246. ,. . , , .. t 

the expense of the railroad companies. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Companies to The Postmaster-General shall request all railroad companies 

partment h w?th transporting the mails to furnish, under seal, such data relating 

data relative to the operating, receipts, and expenditures of such roads as may, 
to operations. L *" * ' . * ■ 

1879, Mar. 3, in his judgment, be deemed necessary to enable him to ascertain 

Supp., 246. ' the cost of mail transportation and the proper compensation to be 

Postmaster- paid for the same; and he shall, in his annual report to Congress, 

m a k e r recom° make such recommendations, founded on the information obtained 

mendation o n imc ^ er this section, as shall, in his opinion, be just and equitable, 
such mforma- ' L ' J L 

tion. Approved March 3, 1879. 

Class if ica- Mailable matter shall be divided into four classes: 

matted m * * * First, Written matter ; 

t. 1 ^T,?v' *?*£■ 3 v Second, Periodical publications ; 
ch. 180, § 7, 1 
Supp., 246. Third, Miscellaneous printed matter ; 

Fourth, Merchandise. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

First-class Mailable matter of the first class shall embrace letters, postal 
m i879J Mar. 3, oards, and all matters wholly or partly in writing, except as here- 

Su l8 \t6 8 ' * inafter P^vided. 

— denned. Approved March 3, 1879. 

Soldiers', The Postmaster-General may * * * provide, by regulation, 

marines' fet*? for transmitting unpaid and duly certified letters of soldiers, sail- 

tel ?o™ ™ o ors, and marines in the service of the United States to their desti- 

1879, Mar. 3, 
„ch. 180, § 9, l nation, to be paid on delivery. 

— ??" a n 4 sm i s - Approved March 3, 1879. 
s i o n of un- 
paid. 

Rate of post- Postal cards shall be transmitted through the mails at a postage 

cards° n P ° S a charge of one cent each, including the cost of manufacture. 



1 180 *f a 9 8 i A PP roved March 3, 1879. 



ch. 180, 
Supp., 246. 

Second-class Mailable matter of the second class shall embrace all newspapers 

ma i879. Mar. 3, and other periodical publications which are issued at stated inter- 

ch. 180, § 10, va j s an( j as frequently as four times a year and are within the 

X loll pp., ^"orO. 

— defined. conditions named in sections twelve and fourteen (of this act). 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Examination Sec. 12. Matter of the second class may be examined at the office 
Ace. of mailing, and if found to contain matter which is subject to a 

ch 18 is6 M § ar il' ni S lier rate of postage, such matter shall be charged with postage 
1 Supp., 246. at the rate to which the inclosed matter is subject : Provided, That 



83 

nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prohibit the — f o r matter 
insertion in periodicals of advertisements attached permanently to higher ra t e of 
the same. postage. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Sec. 14. The conditions upon which a publication shall be ad- M Conditions 

for admission 
mitted to the second class are as follows : as second-class 

matter. 
First. — It must regularly be issued at stated intervals, as fre- 1879, Mar. 3, 

quently as four times a year, and bear a date of issue, and be num- ^g^p ; 24Q 4 ' 

bered consecutively. Regularity 

of issue. 
Second.— It must be issued from a known office of publication. Office of pub- 

lication. 
Third. — It must be formed of printed paper sheets, without Formation. 

board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding, such as dis- 
tinguish printed books for preservation from periodical publica- 
tions. 

Fourth. — It must be originated and published for the dissemi- Character of 
nation of information of a public character, or devoted to litera- 
ture, the sciences, arts, or some special industry, and having a 

legitimate list of subscribers: Provided, however, That nothing Subscription 

list, 
herein contained shall be so construed as to admit to the second- 
class rate regular publications designed primarily for advertising 
purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal 
rates. 
Approved March 3, 1879. 

Foreign newspapers and other periodicals of the same general Foreign pub- 
character as those admitted to the second class in the United 18 79, Mar. 
States may, under the direction of the Postmaster-General, on ^; 5 ch - g ®p' p ® 
application of the publishers thereof or their agents, be trans- 247. 
mitted through the mails at the same rates as if published in the ~ 
United States. Nothing in this act shall be so construed as to 
allow the transmission through the mails of any publication which 
violates any copyright granted by the United States. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Publishers of matter of the second class may, without subject- Supple- 

inputs 
ing it to extra postage, fold within their regular issues a supple- 1879, Mar. 

ment; but in all cases the added matter must be germane to the %, ch. 180, § 

publication which it supplements, that is to say, matter supplied 247. 

— n c\ yd i "f~tpr! f\ *$ 

in order to complete that to which it is added or supplemented, second-class 

but omitted from the regular issue for want of space, time, or matter. 

— must be ger- 



greater convenience, which supplement must in every case be issued mane to publi- 
with the publication. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 



Mail matter of the third class shall embrace books, transient Third-class 
newspapers and periodicals, circulars, and other matter wholly in ± 8 7 " 9 ( Mar# 
print (not included in section twelve of this act), proof sheets, |^ cb - g 1 ^ ' § 
corrected proof sheets, and manuscript copy accompanying the 247. 
same, and postage shall be paid at the rate of one cent for each "?!?" of post- 
two ounces or fractional part thereof, and shall fully be prepaid age on - 
by postage stamps affixed to said matter. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 



84 

Collection of * * * Books which are admitted to the international mails 

U l^79, Mar! exchanged under the provisions of the Universal Postal Union 

17 °i' s'upp ^ Convention may, when subject to customs duty, be delivered to 

247. addresses in the United States under such regulations for the 

collection of duties as may be agreed upon by the Secretary of the 

Treasury and the Postmaster-General. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Circulars. The term " circular " is defined to be a printed letter, which, 

3, ch. 180, § according to internal evidence, is being sent in identical terms to 

18^ l Sup p., severa i persons. A circular shall not lose its character as such, 

— definition when the date and name of the addressee and of the sender shall 

and character ... .. „ 

istics. be written therein, nor by the correction of mere typographical 

errors in writing. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Printed mat- " Printed matter " within the intendment of this act is defined 
ter. 

18 7 9, Mar. to be the reproduction upon paper, by any process except that of 

§ 'l9, i Supp.' handwriting, of any words, letters, characters, figures, or images, 

S4 I' « ^ or of any combination thereof, not having the character of an 

— defined. 

.actual and personal correspondence. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

mat S te g r of A11 matter of the fourth class shall be subject to examination 
fourth class, and to a postage charge at the rate of one cent an ounce or frae- 
3 , c h . 'l 8 ', tion thereof, to be prepaid by stamps affixed. 
sSpp.SIs 21 ' X A PP roy ed March 3, 1879. 

E x a m i - 
nation. 

Delivery of * * * if any matter excluded from the mails by the preced- 
certain un- 
mailable mat- ing section (sec. 20) of this act, except that declared nonmailable 

ter i 8 7 9, Mar. ^J section thirty-eight hundred and ninety-three of the Revised 

?>' 2\- l 8 °i' Statutes as amended, shall, by inadvertance, reach the office of 

Part 2, § 21, 

1 Supp., 248. destination, the same shall be delivered in accordance with its 

nQ^ he Sffice aC of address r Provided, That the party addressed shall furnish the 
destination. f name and address of the sender to the postmaster at the office of 
sender and delivery, who shall immediately report the facts to the Postmaster- 
reported. General. If the person addressed refuse to give the required in- 
formation, the postmaster shall hold the package subject to the 
order of the Postmaster-General. 
Approved March 3, 1879. 

Un mailable * * * ^11 matter declared nonmailable by section thirty- 

1 8 79, Mar. eight hundred and ninety-three of the Revised Statutes as 

Part 3, § 21^ amended, which shall reach the office of delivery, shall be held 

l Supp., 248. Dy tlie postmaster at the said office subject to the order of the 

Postmaster-General. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Packages The Postmaster-General may prescribe, bv regulation, the man- 
must admit of .■-,-, ., . ,, 
examination, ner of wrapping and securing for the mails all packages of matter 

3 1 ch. 9 'l ] 8o r j not charged with first-class postage, so that the contents of such 

| 24, l Supp., packages may be easily examined ; and no package the contents of 

— otherwise which can not be easily examined shall pass in the mails or be 

first-class rate, delivered at a less rate than for matter of the first class. 

Approved March 3,_1879. 



85 

That publications of the second class, one copy to each actual Free county 
• -,. i .li . ... matter and 

subscriber residing m the county where the same are printed. ra tes on see- 
in whole or in part, and published, shall go free through the °er d Q at SS letter- 
mails; but the same shall not be delivered at letter-carrier offices, carrier offices 
or distributed by carriers, unless postage is paid thereon at the C h. 180, § 25' 
rate prescribed in section thirteen of this act (the cent-a-pound 1 |ee P E. 2 |?'§ 
rate) : Provided, That the rate of postage on newspapers, excepting 3907. 
weeklies, and periodicals not exceeding two ounces in weight, 
when the same are deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery 
by its carriers, shall be uniform at one cent each ; periodicals 
weighing more than two ounces shall be subject, when delivered 
by such carriers, to a postage of two cents each, and these rates 
shall be prepaid by stamps affixed. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

That all mail matter of the first class upon which one full rate First class 

of postage has been prepaid shall be forwarded to its destination, ffclentYy p^r" - 

charged with the unpaid rate, to be collected on delivery ; but post- pa ^T~ M s 

masters, before delivering the same, or any article of mail matter 1879, ch. iso! 

upon which prepayment in full has not been made, shall affix, or 3 61? § §6* 

cause to be affixed, and canceled, as ordinary stamps are canceled, — -transmitted 

J and deficiency 

one or more stamps equivalent in value to the amount of postage col l ected, 

due on such article of mail matter, which stamps shall be of such w en " 

special design and denomination as the Postmaster-General may postage due 

prescribe, and which shall in no case be sold by any postmaster nor stamps. 

received by him in prepayment of postage. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Any postmaster or other person engaged in the postal service Failure t o 

collect or ac- 
who shall collect, and fail to account for, the postage due upon any count for post- 
article of mail mater which he may deliver, without having pre- ag i879 e *Mar. 3, 

viously affixed and canceled such special stamps, as hereinbefore ch 180, | 27, 

1 Supp., 249. 
provided, or who shall fail to affix such stamp, shall be deemed 

guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be pun penalty. 

ished by a fine of fifty dollars. 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Any person who shall use. or attempt to use. in payment of Unlawful use 
postage, any canceled postage-stamp or postage-stamps, whether ?emovX P of ean- 
the same have been before used or not, or who shall by any means +J li r a f r0 ™ arks 
remove, or attempt to remove, or assist in removing, marks from 1879, Mar. 3, 
any postage-stamp or postage-stamps, with intent to use the same s upp .. 249." ' 
in payment of postage, or who knowingly shall have in his posses- 
sion any postage-stamp or postage-stamps canceled, with intent to 
use the same, or from which such cancellation marks have been 
removed, or who shall sell or offer to sell any such stamp or 
stamps, or who shall use or attempt to use the same in payment of 
postage, or who shall remove the superscription from any stamped 
envelope or postal card that has once been used in the payment of 
postage, with intent to again use the same for a like purpose, shall 

be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction there penalty. 

of, be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months nor 
more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred 



86 

dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense, or by 
both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. 
Approved March 3, 1879. 

New sure- The Postmaster-General, whenever he may deem it consistent 
tracts. with the public interest, may accept or require new surety upon 

ct/iso' ^lo \' anj con tract existing or hereafter made for. carrying the mails, in 
Supp.. 250. ' substitution for and release of any existing surety. 
Approved March 3, 1879. 

Compensa- Any person performing the duties of postmaster, by authority 
postmasters. 1118 of tne President, at any post-office where there is a vacancy for 

. m®> ^ar. 3, any cause, shall receive for the term for which the duty is per- 
ch. 180, § 61, 1 — — 
Supp., 250. formed the same compensation to which he would have been 

compens^Uo'n entitled if regularly appointed and confirmed as such postmaster, 
of office. * * * • 

Approved March 3, 1879. 

Letter sheet That the Postmaster-General is hereby authorized to take the 
enV Act P Mar. 3, necessary steps to introduce and furnish for public use a letter- 

J 8 oo' on" cH 8 ^' sheet envelope, on which postage stamps of the denominations now 

§ o£, ^o otat. 

L., 362. in use on ordinary envelopes shall be placed. And the Postmaster- 

General is also authorized to introduce and furnish for public use 

double postal a double postal card, on which shall be placed two one-cent 

stamps, and said card to be so arranged for the address that it 
may be forwarded and returned, said cards to be sold for two 
cents apiece ; and also to introduce and furnish for public use a 
double-letter envelope, on which stamps of the denominations now 
in use may be placed, and with the arrangement for the address 
similar to the double postal card ; said letter sheet and double 
postal card and double envelope to be issued under such regula- 
tions as the Postmaster-General may prescribe : Provided, That 
the appropriation for postal cards and letter envelopes for the 
years ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine 
and eighteen hundred and eighty, shall be available for the pur- 
chase of said letter-sheet envelopes, double or return postal cards, 
and double letter envelopes: And provided, That no money shall 
be paid for royalty or patent on any of the articles named. 
Approved March 3, 1879. 

Conspiracy if two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense 

United States against the United States or to defraud the United States in any 

utes!° late Stat manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such parties do 

7 187 h ' 8 1 a ? any act to effect tne 0D Ject of t ne conspiracy, all the parties to 

Supp., 264.' such conspiracy shall be liable to a penalty of not more than ten 

penalty. thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for not more than two years 

or to both fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court. 

Approved May 17, 1879. 

Expedi t i o n The Postmaster-General shall not hereafter have the power to 
°£_if m i°t a t ion expedite the service under any contract either now existing or 

upon compen- hereafter given to a rate of pay exceeding fifty per centum upon 
sation for. . . ' 

1880, Apr. the contract as originally let. 

l'Su h pp! 8 280. 2, Approved April 7, 1880. 



87 

The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized to furnish and M Postal cards 

. for circulation 
issue to the public postal cards with postage stamps impressed i n foreign 

upon them, for circulation in the mails exchanged with foreign m *gg j une 

countries under the provisions of the Universal Postal Union Con- 11, ch. 206, 1 

vention * * * at a postage charge of two cents each, includ- — to be sold at 

ing the cost of their manufacture. Ijtece. c e n * s 

Approved June 11, 1880. 

That the following sums be, and the same are hereby, appro- Post-office in- 

SDGCtOFS 

priated for the service of the Post-Office Department for the year 21 Stat. L., 
ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and eighty-one, out of any J||jj J ^ e 2 Jq; 
money in the Treasury arising from the revenues of said Depart- 
ment, in conformity to the act of July second, eighteen hundred 
and thirty-six, as follows : 

Office of the Postmaster-General. — For mail depredations 
and post-office inspectors, including amounts necessary for fees to 
United States marshals and attorneys, one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars. And not exceeding five thousand dollars of this 
amount may be expended for fees to United States attorneys, 
marshals, clerks of courts, and counsel necessarily employed by 
post-office inspectors of the Post-Office Department, subject to 
approval by the Attorney-General ; and the superintendent of rail- 
way mail service and the chief of post-office inspectors shall be 
paid their actual expenses while traveling on the business of the Traveling ex- 
Department ; and section four thousand and seventeen of the Re- P enses - 
vised Statutes is hereby so amended as to insert in lieu of the 
words " special agents " and the word " agents," wherever they 
occur in said section, the words " post-office inspectors." 

Note. — Post-office inspectors were originally known as " special Note, 
agents." This designation was changed by the act of June 11, 
1880. 

Post-office inspectors appointed under this statute are designated Post-office in- 
as " inspectors in the field." Any number of such inspectors may spec 
be appointed within the limit of the annual appropriations " for 
mail depredations and post-office inspectors." 

Sec. 4020, R. S., as amended by act of March 3, 1897, ch. 385, 
2 Supp. R. S., 598, provides that " the salary and per diem of the 
special agent (post-office inspector) detailed" for the free-delivery 
service shall be charged to the appropriation for that service. 
This statute is no longer of any effect, as no inspector has been 
specially detailed for the free-delivery service for some time, and 
for years past a special appropriation has been provided for the 
payment of inspectors. The only change made by the amendment 
of March 3, 1897, was to omit a provision relative to payment of 
inspectors detailed for the money-order service out of the proceeds 
of that service. 

Approved June 11, 1880. 

The chief of post-office inspectors shall be paid (his) actual Expenses of 

expenses while traveling on the business of the Department. ^ et mspect " 

Approved March 1, 1881. J 1 ™ 1 '* ^ ar " 3 ' 

1 1 ' ch. 96, 1 Supp., 

319. 



Failure to * * * When any railroad company fail or refuse to provide 
provide cars ,. _ 

and to proper- railway post-office cars when required by the Post-Office Depart- 

ly i88i P Mar. 1, ment ' or sna11 fail or refuse to provide suitable safety heaters and* 

ch .96, l Supp., safety lamps therefor, with such number of saws and axes to each 

—penalty for. car for use in case of accident as may be required by the Post- 

Office Department, said company shall have its pay reduced ten per 

centum on the rates fixed (by law). * * * 
Approved March 1, 1881. 

General mail The Postmaster-General shall cause advertisements of all gen- 
lettmgs. . & 

1881, Mar. 1, eral mail lettmgs of each State and Territory to be conspicuously 

319. 96 ' 1 Supp '' posted in each post-office in the State and Territory embraced in 

— advertise- sa id advertisements for at least sixty davs before the time of such 
ment of. , , 

general letting; and no other advertisement of such lettmgs shall 

be required ; but this provision shall not apply to any other than 

general mail lettings. 

Approved March 1, 1881. 

Traveling ex- The (general) superintendent of railway mail service * * * 
penses of gen- ' 1 

eral superin- shall be paid * * * (his) actual expenses while traveling on 

6 lS^'Mar. 1 tne business of the Department, 
ch 96, 1 Supp.] Approved March 1, 1881. 

S p e c i a l All mail matter carried by post to Lucretia R. Garfield, widow 
grant of franS- „ , 
ing privilege, of the late James A. Garfield, or sent by her, under her written 

Garfieid etia R ' autograph signature, will be conveyed free of postage during her 

1881, Dec. 20, natural life, 
ch. 1, 22 Stat. 
L., 1. Approved December 20, 1881. 

SuDlet'ting Whenever any contractor or subcontractor shall sublet his con- 
for less than 
contract price, tract for the transportation of the mail on any route for a less 

c h 188 l l B 6 ay 1 sum tnan tnat for which he contracted to perform the service, 

Supp., 338. the Postmaster-General may, whenever he shall deem it for the 

— contract to good of the service, declare the original contract at an end, and 
be void. 

Contract enter into a contract with the last subcontractor, without adver- 

traSor. SUbC ° n Rising, to perform the service on the terms at which the last 
subcontractor agreed with the original contractor or former sub- 

— proviso. contractor to perform the same: Provided, That such last subcon- 

tractor shall enter into a good and sufficient bond and that the 
original contractor shall not be released from his contract until a 
good and sufficient bond has been made by such last subcontractor 
Contractor and accepted by the Post-Office Department: Provided further, 

demnity aVe m " ^ Tnat when a contract hereafter made is declared void on account 
of its having been sublet, the contractor shall not be entitled to 
one month's extra pay as provided for by law. 
Approved May 4, 1882. 

Liens upon jf any person shall hereafter perform any service for any con- 
pay of con- - x l 

tractors and tractor or subcontractor in carrying the mail, he shall, upon filing 
subcontractors. - n the Department his contract for such service, and satisfactory 
£ h - oon 6 ' 1 evidence of its performance thereafter, have a lien on any money 

oupp., coy. 

■ — persons per- due such contractor or subcontractor for such service to the 

ice^o^avef rV ~ amount of the same ; and if such contractor or subcontractor shall 

fail to pay the party or parties who have performed service as 

aforesaid the amount due for such service within two months 



89 

after the expiration of the quarter in which such service shall 

have been performed, the Postmaster-General may cause the — payment of 

• -..-, - -, , n j. J.-* amount of. 

amount to be paid said party or parties and charged to the con- 
tractor, provided that such payment shall not in any case exceed 
the rate of pay per annum of the contractor or subcontractor. 
Approved May 4, 1882. 

* * * Where any person, corporation, or partnership shall Pay of con- 

tractors, 
have contracts for the performance of mail service upon more than — withholding 

one route, and any failure to perform the service according to con- of ' is'sf^May 4, 

tract on any one or more of such routes shall occur, no payment ch. 116, 1 

shall be made for service on any of the routes under contract with 

such person, corporation, or partnership until such failure has been 

removed and all penalties therefor fully satisfied. 

Approved May 4, 1882. 

Persons in the railway mail service, known as railway post- Railway 
office clerks, route agents, local agents, and mail-route messengers, po -fggo juiyli, 
shall be designated as railway postal clerks, and (be) divided into ch. 3 61, l 
five classes, whose salaries shall not exceed the following rates per ' see R. ~S., § 

40°4 
annum : -±u_-±. 

First class, not exceeding eight hundred dollars ; — classification 

Second class, not exceeding nine hundred dollars ; and sa aries - 

Third class, not exceeding one thousand dollars ; 

Fourth class, not exceeding one thousand two hundred dollars ; 

And fifth class, not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars : 

Provided, That the Postmaster-General, in fixing the salaries of clerks in 

clerks in the different classes, mav fix different salaries for clerks same ^ as ?.« ay 

be paid differ- 
of the same class, according to the amount of work done and the ent salaries. 

responsibility incurred by each, but shall not, in any case, allow a 

higher salary to any clerk of any class than the maximum fixed 

by this act for the class to which such clerk belongs. 

Approved July 31, 1882. 

Appointments of letter carriers in cities having two or more Ap point- 
classes shall be made to the class having the minimum rate of pay. promotion? of 

and promotions from the lower grades in said cities shall be made ca *™rP- * o 

1882. Aug. 2, 
to the next higher grade at the expiration of one year's service, on ch. 373, § 4, 

certificate of the postmaster to the efficiency and faithfulness of l_how P 'made." 

the candidate during the preceding year. * * * 

Approved August 2, 1882. 

* * * The Postmaster-General * * * is authorized to ap- substitute 

point one or more substitute letter carriers, whose compensation ^Jg^'Aug 2 

shall be one dollar per annum, and the pro rata compensation of ch. 373, § 4, l 

, ,, . , , Supp., 363. 
the carriers whose routes they may be required to serve. appointment 

Approved August 2, 1882. pension. C ° m " 

The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized, in cases where the Extension of 
mail service would be thereby improved, to extend service on a route V 'under 
mail route under contract, at not exceeding pro rata additional c0X Jc l ^ t A „. q 

loo-i, Aug. o, 

pay, for any distance not exceeding twenty-five miles beyond either 3, ch. 379, J l, 

terminal point named in said contract: Provided, That no service conipensa- 

shall be extended beyond the original terminal points more than tio . n f ° r - 

1 — limited. 

once during the term for which the contract shall have been made. 
Approved August 3, 1882. 



90 

Temporary Whenever a contractor for postal service fails to commence 
service 
1882J Aug. 3, proper service under the contract, or, having commenced service, 

Supp 7 %72 2 ' 1 fails to con t mue in the proper performance thereof, the Postmaster- 

— where con- General may employ temporary service on the route, at a rate of 
tractor fails to , , , , . „ ,, _ / n . , -, 

perform serv- pay per annum not to exceed the amount of the bond required to 

— c o s t of accom P an y proposals for service on such route, as specified in the 
limited. advertisement of the route, or at not exceeding pro rata of such 

cost of to bond, in cases where service shall have been ordered to be in- 

be charged to creased, reduced, curtailed, or changed, subsequent to the execu- 
tion of contract ; the cost of such temporary service to be charged 
to the contractor, and to continue until the contractor commences 
or resumes the proper performance of service, or until the route 
can be relet, as now provided by law, and service commenced under 
the new award of contract. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent 
with the provisions of this act being hereby repealed. 
Approved August 3, 1882. 

Employment n civil officer, clerk, draughtsman, copyist, messenger, assistant 
in departmen- J to 

tal service. messenger, mechanic, watchman, laborer, or other employee shall 

ch. 18 f89, AU § g ' i, * * * be em P lo y ed in an y of tne Executive Departments or 
l Supp., 374. subordinate bureaus or offices thereof at the seat of government, 
— only as ap- 
propriated for. except only at such rates and in such numbers, respectively, as 

may be specifically appropriated for by Congress for such clerical 
and other personal services for each fiscal year ; and no civil officer, 
clerk, draughtsman, copyist, messenger, assistant messenger, 
mechanic, watchman, laborer, or other employee shall hereafter 
be, employed at the seat of government in any Executive Depart- 
ment or subordinate bureau or office thereof or be paid from anj* 
—contingent appropriation made for contingent expenses or for any specific 
used for, ex- or general purpose, unless such employment is authorized and 
cept " payment therefor specifically provided in the law granting the 

appropriation, and then only for services actually rendered in 
connection with and for the purposes of the appropriation from 
which payment is made, and at the rate of compensation usual 
and proper for such services. 
Approved August 5, 1882. 

Classified * * * It shall be the dutv of the Postmaster-General to sep- 
civil service. , . , , , , , 

1883, Jan. 16, arately arrange in classes the several clerks and persons employed, 

Supp!' 395 6 ' 1 or in * ne P UDlic service, at each post-office, or under any postmas- 
ter of the United States, where the whole number of said clerks 
and persons shall together amount to as many as fifty. And 
* * * from time to time, on the direction of the President, it 
shall be the duty of the Postmaster-General to arrange in like 
classes the clerks and persons so employed in the postal service 
in connection with any other post-office ; and every such arrange- 
ment and classification upon being made shall be reported to the 
President. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 

—to be re- From time to time * * * the Postmaster-General * * * 
vised when 
1883, Jan. i.6, shall, on the direction of the President, and for facilitating the 

an'nf 7, Qi 6 ' 1 execution of this act, respectively revise any then existing classi- 

o u p p . ? o *) O . 

fication or arrangement of those in their respective departments 
and offices, and shall, for the purposes of the examination herein 



91 

provided for. include in one or more of such classes, so far as 
practicable, subordinate places, clerks, and officers in the public 
service pertaining to their respective departments not before classi- 
fied for examination. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 

* * * No officer or clerk shall be appointed, and no person Appoint- 

ments. 
shall be employed to enter or be promoted in either of the said 1883, Jan. 16. 

classes now existing,_ or that may be arranged hereunder pursu- g^pp^ls. 7, 1 

ant to said rules, until he has passed an examination, or is shown — civil-service 
. ,, , , « , . r. examination 

to be specially exempted from such examination m conformity for. 

herewith. But nothing herein contained shall be construed to take 
from those honorably discharged from the military or naval service 
any preference conferred by the seventeen hundred and fifty- 
fourth section of the Revised Statutes, nor to take from the Presi- 
dent any authority not inconsistent with this act conferred by the 
seventeen hundred and fifty-third section of said statutes ; nor 
shall any officer not in the executive branch of the Government, 
or any person merely employed as a laborer or workman, be 
required to be classified hereunder ; nor, unless by direction of the —exceptions. 
Senate, shall any person who has been nominated for confirma- 
tion by the Senate be required to be classified or to pass an exam- 
ination. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 

No Senator, or Representative, or Territorial Delegate of the Officers and 

Congress, or Senator, Representative, or Delegate elect, or any bidden to so- 

officer or emplovee of either of said houses, and no executive, licit , ?*" re peive 

* J ' contributions 

judicial, military, or naval officer of the United States, and no from other offi- 

clerk or employee of any department, branch, or bureau of the p i yees. 
executive, judicial, or military or naval service of the United 1fi l88 f' o^ n & 
States, shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or receive, or be in any n.' 1 Supp.', 
manner concerned in soliciting or receiving, any assessment, sub- 
scription, or contribution for any political purpose whatever, from 
any officer, clerk, or employee of the United States, or any depart- 
ment, branch, or bureau thereof, or from any person receiving 
any salary or compensation from moneys derived from the Treas- 
ury of the United States. 
Approved January 16, 1883. 

No person shall, in any room or building occupied in the dis- Political con- 
charge of official duties by any officer or employee of the United t" {^solicited 

States mentioned in this act, or in any navv-vard. fort, or arsenal, * n P ubnc of ~ 

J * * fices. etc. 

solicit in any manner whatever, or receive any contribution of 1883, ^ J a n . 

money or any other thing of value for any political purpose what- i Supp.,'396. ' 

ever. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 

No officer or employee of the United States mentioned in this immunity 

,,„-,., , , -, . from official 

act shall discharge, or promote, or degrade, or m any manner compulsion to 

change the official rank or compensation of any other officer or ^n^e pojjjjjcal 

employee, or promise or threaten so to do, for giving or with- 1883. Jan. 
, ,,. , ' , .. .. . ,, 16, ch. 27, § 13, 

holding or neglecting to make any contribution ot money or other i supp., 396. 

valuable thing for any political purpose. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 



92 

Political con- No officer, clerk, or other person in the service of the United 

officers or em- States shall, directly or indirectly, give or hand over to any other 

pioyees forbid- ffi cer? c lerk, or person in the service of the United States, or to 

1883, Jan. any Senator or Member of the House of Representatives, or Ter- 
16, ch. 27, § 14, ./. . t • , _ , * _. 

1 Snpp., 396. ntorial Delegate, any money or other valuable thing on account 

of or to be applied to the promotion of any political object what- 
ever. 

Approved January 16, 1883. 

Penalty for Any person who shall be guiltv of violating any provision of 
violation of 
four preced- the four foregoing sections shall be deemed guilty of a misde- 

in ^L 883* 1< J 1 a n . meanor, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by a fine 
16, ch. 27, §16, not exceeding five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for a 

term not exceeding three years, or by such fine and imprisonment 

both, in the discretion of the court. 
Approved January 16, 1883. 

Blank forms. All blanks, blank books, and printed or engraved matter sup- 
etc for tbe 
money-order plied to postmasters by the Postmaster-General or used in his 

Sei i883 Ma • department f or the transaction of money-order business shall be 

3, ch. ' 123, § obtained from the lowest responsible bidders for furnishing 

' See U R P "s., °§ printed and engraved matter, respectively, under separate advertise- 

4^ 4 8- , f , ments calling for proposals to furnish the same for a period of four 

furnishing. years upon such conditions as the Postmaster-General may pre- 

— cont facts scribe . Prorl( ] e( ] f That the Public Printer and the Chief (Director) 

—estimates f tbe Bureau of Engraving and Printing of the Treasury Depart- 

for furnishing » » i 

by Public Prin- ment shall submit, respectively, estimates of the cost of furnishing 

reau &1 of En- sucn printed and engraved matter as may be required for use in 

graving and the monev-order business, and thev shall furnish such printed 
Printing. * . ^ 

and engraved matter whenever upon their estimates of cost the 

expenditure therefor will be less than upon proposals made as 

above provided for. 

Approved March 3, 1883. 

Salaries of The respective compensation of postmasters of the first, second, 
officS aS of 1S the and third classes shall be annual salaries, assigned in even hun- 
an'd S t^iVd Precis of dollars, and payable in quarterly payments, to be ascer- 
ciasses. tained and fixed by the Postmaster-General from their respec- 

18 8 3 M~a r 
3, ch. 'l 4 2 | tive quarterly returns to the Auditor for the Post-Office Depart- 

1 l u e P e'R 17 S. ment, or copies or duplicates thereof, to be forwarded to the First 

§§ 3852-3856. Assistant Postmaster-General, for four quarters immediately pre- 
— how fixed. 

ceding the adjustment, at the following rates, namely : 

FIRST CLASS. 

— first class. Gross receipts, forty thousand dollars, and not exceeding forty- 

five thousand dollars, salary, three thousand dollars. 

Gross receipts, forty-five thousand dollars, and not exceeding 
sixty thousand dollars, salary, three thousand one hundred dollars. 
Gross receipts, sixty thousand dollars, and not exceeding eighty 
thousand dollars, salary, three thousand two hundred dollars. 
, Gross receipts, eighty thousand dollars, and not exceeding one 
hundred and ten thousand dollars, salary, three thousand three 
hundred dollars. 



93 



Gross receipts, one hundred and ten thousand dollars, and not 
exceeding one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, salary, three 
thousand four hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and not 
exceeding two hundred thousand dollars, salary, three thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, two hundred thousand dollars, and not exceed- 
ing two hundred and sixty thousand dollars, salary, three thou- 
sand six hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, two hundred and sixty thousand dollars, and not 
exceeding three hundred and thirty thousand dollars, salary, three 
thousand eeven hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, three hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and 
not exceeding four hundred thousand dollars, salary, three thou- 
sand eight hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, four hundred thousand dollars, and not exceed- 
ing four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, salary, three thou- 
sand nine hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and not 
exceeding five hundred thousand dollars, salary, four thousand 
dollars. 

Gross receipts, five hundred thousand dollars, and not exceed- 
ing six hundred thousand dollars, salary, five thousand dollars. 

Gross receipts, six hundred thousand dollars and upwards, sal- 
ary, six thousand dollars. 

SECOND CLASS. 



Gross receipts, eight thousand dollars, and not exceedin: 
thousand dollars, salary, two thousand dollars. 

Gross receipts, nine thousand dollars, and not exceeding ten 
thousand dollars, salary, two thousand one hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, ten thousand dollars, and not exceeding eleven 
thousand dollars, salary, two thousand two hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, eleven thousand dollars, and not exceeding thir- 
teen thousand dollars, salary, two thousand three hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, thirteen thousand dollars, and not exceeding six- 
teen thousand dollars, salary, two thousand four hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, sixteen thousand dollars, and not exceeding 
twenty thousand dollars, salary, two thousand five hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, twenty thousand dollars, and not exceeding 
twenty-four thousand dollars, salary, two thousand six hundred 
dollars. 

Gross receipts, twenty-four thousand dollars, and not exceeding 
thirty thousand dollars, salary, two thousand seven hundred 
dollars. 

Gross receipts, thirty thousand dollars, and not exceeding thirty- 
five thousand dollars, salary, two thousand eight hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, thirty-five thousand dollars, and not exceeding 
forty thousand dollars, salary, two thousand nine hundred dollars. 



nine Second class. 



THIRD CLASS. 



Gross receipts, one thousand nine hundred dollars, and not 
exceeding two thousand one hundred dollars, salary, one thousand 
dollars. 



Third class. 



94 

Gross receipts, two thousand one hundred dollars, and not 
exceeding two thousand four hundred dollars, salary, one thousand 
one hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, two thousand four hundred dollars, and not ex- 
ceeding two thousand seven hundred dollars, salary, one thousand 
two hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, two thousand seven hundred dollars, and not 
exceeding three thousand dollars, salary, one thousand three hun- 
dred dollars. 

Gross receipts, three thousand dollars, and not exceeding three 
thousand five hundred dollars, salary, one thousand four hundred 
dollars. 

Gross receipts, three thousand five hundred dollars, and not 
exceeding four thousand two hundred dollars, salary, one thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, four thousand two hundred dollars, and not 
exceeding five thousand dollars, salary, one thousand six hundred 
dollars. 

Gross receipts, five thousand dollars, and not exceeding six 
thousand dollars, salary, one thousand seven hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, six thousand dollars, and not exceeding seven 
thousand dollars, salary, one thousand eight hundred dollars. 

Gross receipts, seven thousand dollars, and not exceeding eight 
thousand dollars, salary, one thousand nine hundred dollars. 

Approved March 3. 1883. 

Certified In order to ascertain the amount of the postal receipts of each 
turns! office, the Postmaster-General may require postmasters to fur- 

" 1 ^\42^ a "i C l n * sl1 * ne department with certified copies of their quarterly re- 
1 Supp., 419. turns to the auditor at such times and for such periods as he may 
— may be re- , . . 

quired. deem necessary m each case. 

Approved March 3. 1883. 

Coinpensa- The compensation of postmasters of the fourth class shall be 
ni°a sters at fixed upon the basis of the whole of the box rents collected at 
offices 1 C 1 a S S their offices and commissions upon the amount of canceled post- 

1883, Mar. 3, age-due stamps, and on postage stamps * * * stamped enve- 

Su'pp.,"4l'9. ' lopes, postal cards, and newspaper and periodical stamps can- 

3859-3856'' ^ celed, on matter actually mailed at their offices, and on amounts 

Commissions received from waste paper, dead newspapers, printed matter, and 
on cancella- , . . ,.,,,- *, , , 

tions. twme sold, at the following rates, namely : 

— rates of. On the first fifty dollars or less per quarter, one hundred per 

centum ; on the next one hundred dollars or less per quarter, 
sixty per centum ; on the next two hundred dollars or less per 
quarter, fifty per centum ; and on all the balance, forty per centum, 
the same to be ascertained and allowed by the Auditor for the 
Post-Office Department in the settlement of the accounts of such 
postmasters upon their sworn quarterly returns : 

Provided. That when the compensation of any postmaster of this 
class shall reach two hundred and fifty dollars for four consecu- 
tive quarters each, exclusive of commissions on money-order busi- 
ness, and when the returns to the Auditor for four consecutive 
quarters shall show him to be entitled to a compensation in excess 



95 

of two hundred and fifty dollars per quarter, the Auditor shall 
report such fact to the Postmaster-General, who shall assign the Assignment 
office to its proper class, and fix the salary of the postmaster as higher class, 
provided hy section one of this act : 

Provided further-. That in no case shall there be allowed to any Excess com- 
postmaster of this class a compensation greater than two hundred ^y 8 quarter. * Q 
and fifty dollars in any one of the first three quarters of any fiscal 
year, exclusive of money-order commissions, and in the last quar- 
ter of any fiscal year there shall be allowed such further sum as 
he may be entitled to under the provisions of this act, not exceed- 
ing for the whole fiscal year the sum of one thousand dollars 
exclusive of money -order commissions. 

Approved March 3, 1883. 

The Postmaster-General shall make all orders relative to the Readjustment 
salaries of postmasters; * * * and the Auditor for the Post- postmasters of 
Office Department shall be notified of any and all changes of thfrdcSSes &nd 
salaries. 1883, Mar. 3, ch. 

142, § 3, 1 Supp., 
419. 

The salaries of postmasters of the first, second, and third classes ~ w d hen t0 be 
shall be readjusted by the Postmaster-General, * * * to take id.,'§ 4. 
effect * * * at the beginning of each fiscal year. 

Approved March 3, 1883. 

(Any order advancing an office of the fourth class to a higher . Orders assign- 
class) shall not take effect until the first day of the quarter next offices to higher 
following the order. cl f^ Mar 3 ch> 

Approved March 3, 1883. 142, § 3, l Supp., 

419. 

All public roads and highways while kept up and maintained as Post-routes. 
such are hereby declared to be post-routes. a^ P d\ighways. S 

Approved March 1, 1884. 9, m^"^?*" 

Every person who, with intent to defraud either the United False persona- 
™, , - , , ^ tion of United 

States or any person, falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer states officers. 

or employee acting under the authority of the United States, or ch 188 2 4 6 ' i Ap supp 8> 
any Department, or any officer of the Government thereof, and 425. 
who shall take upon himself to act as such, or who shall in such 
pretended character demand or obtain from any person or from 
the United States, or any Department, or any officer of the Gov- 
ernment thereof, any money, paper, document, or other valuable 
thing, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conviction 
thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dol- —penalty. 
lars, or imprisonment not longer than three years, or both said 
punishments, in the discretion of the court. 
Approved April 18, 1884. 

No Department or officer of the United States shall accept volun- v ? ] un ta F/ 

service torbid- 
tary service for the Government or employ personal service in den. 

excess of that authorized by law except in cases of sudden emer- S7 1 l s'upp. y 427. 1- 

gency involving the loss of human life or the destruction of 

properly. 

Approved May 1, 1884. 



96 

Oath of office. The oath to be taken by any person elected or appointed to any 
—general , as em , • 

ployed in Gov- office of honor or profit * * * . in the civil * * * service 

er i884 ent May 13, * * * sna11 be as Prescribed in section seventeen hundred and 
ch. 46, § '2, i fifty-seven of the Revised Statutes. 
Supp., 428. Approved May 13, 1884. 

Hate on tran- The rate of postage on newspaper and periodical publications of 
sient publica- ,, , . ' L L 

tions. the second class, when sent by others than the publisher or news 

ch 188 73, i U Supp 9 ; a S ent > shall be one cent for each four ounces or fractional part 

438. thereof, and shall be fully prepaid bv postage stamps affixed to 

—when sent by * 

others than pub- said matter. 

agent 0r neWS Approved June 9, 1884. 

Leaves of ab- All letter-carriers at free-delivery offices shall be entitled to 
Letter carri- leave of absence, not to exceed fifteen days in each year, without 

e i S 884, June 27 , loss of pay; * * * 

ch. 126, l Supp., Approved June 27. 1884. 

446. 

Substitutes. * * * The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized to em- 

in place of car- 

riers on leave ploy, when necessary, during the time such (fifteen days') leave 

Wi i884 Pa june 27, oC absence is granted (to a letter-carrier), such number of substi- 

ch. 126, l Supp., tnte letter-carriers as may be deemed advisable, who shall be paid 

for services rendered at the rate of six hundred dollars per annum. 

Approved June 27, 1884. 

Disbursing of- The Postmaster-General is authorized to designate postmasters 

1884, July 5, ch. at money-order post-offices as disbursing officers for the payment 

234, l Supp.,467. f tlie sa i ar j es f officers and employees of the postal service, and 

— T) O St ITl cv ST>t3ro 

may be desig- for such other payments as postmasters are now authorized to 
na e as ' make from postal revenues. 

Approved July 5, 1884. 

Mails to be car- * * * If any railroad company shall fail or refuse to trans- 
trains, port the mails, when required by the Post-Office Department, upon 
234 88 i 4 Supp. 5 467.' tn e fastest train or trains run upon said road, said company shall 
have its pay reduced fifty per centum of the amount provided by 
law. 

Approved July 5, 1884. 

Underpaid of- * * * Any part-paid letter or packet addressed to either of 
Washington. said. Departments or bureaus (the Executive Departments or bu- 
o^ 88 A J Y l £ 5 ' eh * reaus thereof and Public Printer) may be delivered free; but 

234, § 3, 1 Supp., 

468. where there is good reason to believe the omission to prepay the 

ci plj vp.tgcL fr6G 

except. ' full postage thereon was intentional, such letter or packet shall 

be returned to the sender. 
Approved July 5, 1884. 

Registration * * * Any letter or packet to be registered by either of the 
—letters and Executive Departments or bureaus thereof * * * or by the 
ScM^usiness^f Public Printer, may be registered without the payment of any 

Executive be- registry fee. 
partments. 

i884,Julv5,ch. Approved July 5, 1884. 
234, § 3, lSupp., 



97 

* * * Any Department or officer authorized to use the pen- Penalty en- 

** vgIodgs 

alty envelopes may inclose them with return address to any person -return, may be 

or persons from or through whom official information is desired, u ^g^^Qys cri 

the same to be used only to cover such official information and 234, § 3, l Supp., 

indorsements relating thereto : * * * 

* * * This act shall not extend or apply to * * * offi- —not to be used 
cers who receive a fixed allowance as compensation for their serv- ceiv^ng^allow- 
ices, including expenses of postage. * * * ances for post- 
Approved July 5, 1884. Id. 

* * * (The Secretary of the Treasury shall, at the com- Claims. 

mencement of each session of Congress, report the amount due each T^^J} e ° & ^ 

claimant whose claim has been allowed in whole or in part to reported to 

the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Presiding, 1884, July 7, ch. 

Officer of the Senate, who shall lay the same before their respec- 334) l Supp -' 470> 

tive Houses for consideration): Provided, That nothing in this —rejected, not to 

be reopened, ex- 
act shall be construed to authorize the reexamination and pay- cept. 

ment of any claim or account which has been once examined and 

rejected, unless reopened in accordance with existing law. 

Note. — The act of July 7, 1884, shown in parenthesis, is a sub- Note. 
stitute for the omitted paragraph of the act of June 14, 1878. 

Approved July 7, 1884. 

Postmasters (at offices of the first and second classes) are Detail of clerks 

in post-offices. 
authorized, with the approval of the Postmaster-General, to as- 1885, Mar. 3, ch. 

sign at any time any clerk or employee of their respective post- 342 ' 1 Su PP- 483 - 

offices to' duty in any branch thereof. 

Approved March 3, 1885. 

Whenever any building or part of a building under lease be- No rent to 
comes unfit for use as a post-office, no rent shall be paid until w hen building 
the same shall be put in a satisfactory condition by the owner ""gg^ar^' cri 
thereof for occupation as a post-office, or the lease may be can- 342, i'supp.,483. 
celed, at the option of the Postmaster-General ; and a lease shall ^1", when. 
cease and terminate whenever a post-office can be moved into a 
Government building. 

Approved March 3, 1885. 

* * * The Postmaster-General is ~ authorized to contract for , Combined in- 

land and foreign 
inland and foreign steamboat mail service, when it can be combined service. 

in one route, where the foreign office or offices are not more than 342 i Supp.f'483." 

two hundred miles distant from the domestic office, on the same —contracts for, 

when may be 
terms and conditions as inland steamboat service, and pay for made. 

the same out of the appropriation for inland steamboat service. 

Approved March 3, 1885. 

All publications of the second class, except as provided in sec- Postage on 
tion 25 of said act (of March 3, 1879, ch. 180, 1 Supp., 249), when matte?? " class 
sent by the publisher thereof, and from the office of publication, * 885 ' Mar- ^o^' 

x 342, 1 Supp., 483. 

including sample copies, or when sent from a news agency to 
actual subscribers thereto, or to other news agents, shall * * * 
be entitled to transmission through the mails at one cent a pound 
or a fraction thereof, such postage to be prepaid as now pro- 
vided by law. 

Approved March 3, 1885. 
6300—07 7 



98 

Rate of post- Upon all matter of the first class, * * * postage shall be 

rnatter. rS charged, * * * at the rate of two cents for each ounce or 

342 8 i 5 Su a p 3 483" fraction thereof; and drop letters shall be mailed at the rate of 

—drop letters, two cents per ounce or fraction thereof, including delivery at 

letter-carrier offices, and one cent for each ounce or fraction 

thereof where free delivery by carrier is not established. 

Approved March 3, 1885. 

Special - deiiv- A special (delivery) stamp of the face valuation of ten cents 

er i885 a Mar 3 ch may ^e P r °vided and issued, whenever deemed advisable or ex- 

342, §3.1 Supp., pedient, in such form and bearing such device as may meet the 

ch.'90i,'§ l, i approval of the Postmaster-General, which, when attached to 

Supp., 511. * * * ( ma ii matter) in addition to the lawful postage thereon, 

—matter bear- * * * (shall entitle such matter to immediate delivery, as pro- 

ing, to be en- Y ided in act of Aug. 4, 1886, ch. 901, sec. 1, 1 Supp., 511). 

titled to imme- •-, • 

diate delivery. Approved March 3, 1885. 

Record of The postmaster * * * (at every special-delivery post-office) 
Satte~r deliVery sha11 kee P a record of tbe number of * * * (articles) re- 

18 8 5, Mar. ceived at such office bearing such special (delivery) stamp. 
3 ch 342, § 6, 
1 Supp. ,484. Approved March 3, 1885. 

Payment of (Postmasters will), at the end of each month, * * * pay 
messengers^^ ^ Q suc i 1 p erson or persons employed (as messengers) a sum not 
3, ch. 34 2, J 6, exceeding eighty per centum of the face value of all such (special- 

when' made, delivery) stamps (on the matter) received and recorded during 

not^t^excee?' tnat mon £h : Provided, That in no case shall the compensation so 
paid to any one person exceed thirty dollars per month. 
Approved March 3, 1885. 

Special de- (The postmaster shall be responsible for) * * * the ini- 
matter° f ^^ me( liate delivery of every * * * article (bearing a special- 
1886, Aug. 4, delivery stamp), and shall cause delivery to be made of all such 
Supp., 511 ; see articles received at his office bearing such stamp and entitled to 
ch°6'l3 JU 3l St' delivery thereat, and may employ any persons, including clerks 
L„ 260.' * * * (and other salaried employees at his office), as mes- 

reSonsibfffo? sengers on such terms as he shall fix as compensation for such 
-comS'a- delivery; and to defray the expense thereof such postmaster shall 
tion for. be entitled, upon the adjustment of his quarterly account, to eighty 

per cent of the face value of all such special-delivery stamps 
received at his office and recorded, according to said act and regu- 
lations of the Post-Office Department, during the quarter ; and 
such allowance shall be in full of all the expenses of such delivery : 
$ $ $ 

Approved August 4, 1886. 

Mail matter * * * Mailable matter upon which * * * (a) special 
bearing special- ( delivery) stam p * * * shall be duly affixed (in addition to 
sta i m c«' a a the lawful postage thereon) shall be entitled to immediate deliv- 

loot), .caTI^, 4, 

ch. 901, § 1, 1 ery * * * within the carrier-delivery limit of any free-deliv- 
— -immediate ery office, and within one mile of any other post-office which the 
delivery of. Postmaster-General shall at any time designate as a special-deliv- 
ery post-office. 
Approved August 4, 1886. 



99 

(The Postmaster-General) may contract for the immediate de- Contract for 

s i") p o i n 1 olpl i V- 

livery of all articles (bearing special-delivery stamps) from any erv . 

post-office at any price less than eight cents per piece, when he ch 1 ^^- 4 U |- "^ 

shall deem it expedient. Supp., 512. 

. , . . , -, c^c-. — mav be made. 

Approved August 4, 1SS6. 

The Postmaster-General mav, in his discretion, direct any free- Special-de- 
., ,. „, , , , „ ,, „ . . . , livery messen- 

dehvery office to be excepted from the foregoing provision (con- ge r S . 

cerning the delivery of special-delivery matter by postmasters' , 18 ^ -^ u s- 4 , 

clerks or other persons), and require the delivery to be made en- Supp., 512. 

nf free-cie~ 

tirely by special messengers, according to the provisions of the ii Te ry offices. 

act to which this is amendatory. 

Approved August 4, 1886. 

The Postmaster-General shall prescribe suitable regulations, not Regulations 
inconsistent with the law, for the performance of the immediate- livery^ervicel 
delivery service, the keeping of the- records and rendering of ch 1 |86, ^ u |- ^ 
accounts thereof, and all matters connected therewith, and may Supp., 512. 
prescribe the hours within which such immediate delivery shall General may 
be made at any post-office. prescribe. 

Approved August 4, 1886. 

That any postmaster, or any assistant postmaster, clerk, or False r e - 
employee of a postmaster, who shall make any false return or ciaY^delivery 
record of the receipt or delivery of any article of mailable matter bu ^gg e 6 S *Au2 4 
as being stamped with a special-delivery stamp, or shall make any ch. 90l\ § 3, 1 
false return of the number of articles specially delivered from his ^pena^jT' 
office, for the purpose of increasing his compensation under the 
provisions of this act, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 
and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than one hundred 
dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for a 
term of not less than thirty days nor more than one year, or both 
such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. * * * 

Approved August 4, 1886. 

* * * whenever, upon evidence deemed satisfactory to him, False re- 

the Postmaster-General shall determine that any * * * false ciaf^deHvery 

return (of the receipt or delivery of any article of mailable matter bu ?oo e J s " A 

as being stamped with a special-delivery stamp, or of the num- cb. 901. § 3, i 

ber of articles specially delivered) has been made, he may, by ^p^'sfmf'ster- 

order, fix absolutely the compensation of the postmaster for such General may 

.,-,,.,. fix compensa- 

special delivery during any quarter or quarters which he shall sation wben 

deem affected by such false return, and the Auditor shall adjust made - 

the postmaster's account accordingly. 

Approved August 4, 1886. 

Letter carriers shall be employed for the free delivery of mail . F r e e - d e - 

livery service 
matter, as frequently as the public business may require, at 1887, Jan. 3, 

every incorporated city, village, or borough containing a popula- gupp 14, 5i8 1 ' 1 
tion of fifty thousand within its corporate limits, and may be so — establisb- 
einployed at every place containing a population of not less than 
ten thousand, within its corporate limits, according to the last 
general census, taken by authority of State or United States law, 
or at any post-office which produced a gross revenue, for the pre- 
ceding fiscal year, of not less than ten thousand dollars : Provided, 



100 

This act shall not affect the existence of the free delivery in 
places where it is now established : And provided further, That in 
offices where the free delivery shall be established under the pro- 

— discontinu- visions of this act, such free deliverv shall not be abolished bv 

ance of, when. „ _ , , 

reason of decrease below ten thousand m population or ten thou- 
sand dollars in gross postal revenue, except in the discretion of 
the Postmaster-General. 
Approved January 3, 1887. 

Classifica- There may be in all cities which contain a population of 
ries of better- seventy-five thousand or more three classes of letter-carriers, as 

carriers. follows : Carriers of the first class, whose salaries shall be one 

Cities over 
75,000. thousand dollars per annum ; of the second class, whose salaries 

ch 18 l 8 4,' § a ?; 8 i sna11 be eight hundred dollars per annum, and of the third class, 

Supp., '519. whose salaries shall be six hundred dollars per annum. 

Cities less In Places containing a population of less than seventy-five 

than 75,000. thousand there may be two classes of letter-carriers, as follows: 

Carriers of the second class, whose salaries shall be eight hundred 

and fifty dollars per annum, and of the third class, whose salaries 

shall be six hundred dollars per annum. 

Approved January 3, 1887. 

Bulletins Bulletins or reports (of progress, one copy to each newspaper 
entail? 01 agri- in tne State or Territory in which the colleges hereafter referred 

cultural ex- ± are located, and to such individuals actually engaged in farm- 

periment sta- J ° = 

tions. ing as may request the same) and the annual reports (required 

1887 Mar 2 
ch. 314, § 4*, 1 h y law to be published by the agricultural experiment stations 

Supp., 551. established under the provisions of the act of March 2, 1887, 

— may be sent 

free. entitled "An act to establish agricultural experiment stations in 

connection with the colleges established in the various States and 

Territories under the provisions of an act approved July 2, 1862, 

and the acts supplementary thereto " for the benefit of agriculture 

and the mechanic arts) (of said stations) shall be transmitted 

in the mails of the United States free of charge for postage, under 

such regulations as the Postmaster-General may from time to time 

prescribe. 

Approved March 2, 1887. 

Authority for The Postmaster-General * * * is hereby authorized to em- 
mT iY-'nfessen- P l0 ^ sucn mail-messenger service as may be necessary for the car- 
eer service. riage of the mails in connection with railroad and steamboat 

1887, Mar. 3, & . . . 

c h . 3 46, 1 service, transfer service between depots, over bridges or ferries, 

Supp., 557. between post-offices, post-offices and branch offices or stations, in 
cases where by the laws and regulations of the Post-Office Depart- 
ment, railroad companies, steamboat companies, and the masters 
of vessels are not required to deliver into and take from the 
post-offices the mails carried on their lines or vessels. 
Approved March 3, 1887. 

Settlement Whenever any person shall present his petition to the Court of 

and a on° bonds! Claims alleging that he is or has been indebted to the United 

contracts, etc., states as an officer or agent thereof, or by virtue of any contract 

in Court of > «> 

Claims. therewith, or that he is the guarantor, or surety, or personal rep- 

ch?'359', I § a 3 f 8 i resentative of any officer, or agent, or contractor so indebted, or 
Supp., 560. that he, or the person for whom he is such surety, guarantor, or 



101 

personal representative lias held any office or agency under the 
United States, or entered into any contract therewith, under which 
it may be or has been claimed that an indebtedness to the United —■ may be had 
States has arisen and exists, and that he or the person he repre- years, where 
sents has applied to the proper Department of the ' Government ^ ^t he^had 
requesting that the account of such office, agency, or indebtedness Department, 
may be adjusted and settled, and that three years have elapsed 
from the date of such application and said account still remains 
unsettled and unadjusted, and that no suit upon the same has 
been brought by the United States, said court shall, due notice 
first being given to the head of said Department and to the 
Attorney-General of the United States, proceed to hear the parties 
and to ascertain the amount, if any, due the United States on said 
account. The Attorney-General shall represent the United States 
at the hearing of said cause. The court may postpone the same 
from time to time whenever justice shall require. The judgment "J^Wcon- 
of said court or of the Supreme Court of the United States, to elusive, 
which an appeal shall lie, as in other cases, as to the amount due, 
shall be binding and conclusive upon the parties. The payment 
of such amount so found due by the court shall discharge such 
obligation. An action shall accrue to the United States against m e^\ ° n *? o g r 
such principal, or surety, or representative to recover the amount amount found 
so found due, which may be brought at any time within three ue# 
years after the final judgment of said court. Unless suit shall be 
brought within said time, such claim and the claim on the original 
indebtedness shall be forever barred. 
Approved March 3, 1887. 

No boxes for the collection of mail matter by carriers shall be Letter boxes, 
placed inside of any building except a public building, or a build- placed inside 
ing which is freely open to the public during business hours, or a ]?gp t dings e x " 
railroad station. 1887, Mar. 3, 

^r,o^oo- ch. 388,1 

Approved March 3, 188/. Supp., 567. 

Mailable matter of the second class shall contain no writing, Permissible 

writing, print- 
print, or sign thereon or therein in addition to the original print, ing, or addi- 

except as herein provided, to wit: the name and address of the second- class 
person to whom the matter shall be sent, index figures of sub- ma 1 t ^^ 
scription book either printed or written, the printed title of the 20, ch.' 2, § l, 
publication and the place of its publication, the printed or written 1 Su PP-» 577 - 
name and address without addition of advertisement of the pub- 
lisher or sender, or both, and written or printed words or figures, 
or both, indicating the date on which the subscription to such 
matter will end, the correction of any typographical error, a mark 
except by written or printed words, to designate a word or passage 
to which it is desired to call attention ; the words " sample copy " 
when the matter is sent as such, the words " marked copy " when 
the matter contains a marked item or article. And publishers 
or news agents may inclose in their publications, bills, receipts, 
and orders for subscriptions thereto, but the same shall be in 
such form as to convey no other information than the name, 
place of publication, subscription price of the publication to which 
they refer and the subscription due thereon. 
Approved January 20, 1888. 



102 

Permissible Upon matter of the third class or upon the wrapper or envelope 

third-class mat- inclosing the same or the tag or label attached thereto the sender 

ter i888 Jan may write nis own name, occupation, and residence or business 

20, ch. 2, § l, address, preceded by the word " from," and may make marks 

other than by written or printed words to call attention to any 

word or passage in the text, and may correct any typographical 

wnat are . errors. There may be placed upon the blank leaves or cover of 

any book or printed matter of the third class a simple manuscript 
dedication or inscription not of the nature of a personal corre- 
spondence. Upon the wrapper or envelope of third-class matter 
or the tag or label attached thereto may be printed any matter 
mailable as third class, but there must be left on the address side 
a space sufficient for a legible address and necessary stamps. 
Approved January 20, 1888. 

Inclosing Matter of the second, third, or fourth class containing any 
higher class m 
lower class writing or printing in addition to the original matter other than 

m \ t 888 Jan as authorized in the preceding section (sec. 1) shall not be ad- 

20, ch. 2, ^ § mitted to the mails, nor delivered, except upon payment of postage 

for matter of the first class, deducting therefrom any amount which 

may have been prepaid by stamps affixed, unless by direction of the 

Postmaster-General such postage shall be remitted ; and any person 

who shall knowingly conceal or inclose any matter of a higher 

class in that of a lower class, and deposit or cause the same to be 

deposited for conveyance by mail, at a less rate than would be 

charged for both such higher and lower class matter, shall for 

— penalty for. every such offense be liable to a penalty of ten dollars. 

Approved January 20, 1888. 

P e rmissible with a package of fourth-class matter prepaid at the proper rate 

fourth"? lass for that class, the sender may inclose any mailable third-class 

ma i888 Jan. matter, and may write upon the wrapper or cover thereof, or tag 

20, ch.' 2 f § l, or label accompanying the same, his name, occupation, residence 

or business address, preceded by the word " from," and any marks, 

numbers, names, or letters for purpose of description, or may 

print thereon the same, and any printed matter not in the nature 

of a personal correspondence, but there must be left on the address 

side or face of the package a space sufficient for a legible address 

and necessary stamps. 

Approved January 20, 1888. 

Dire ctions in all cases directions for transmit (transmission), delivery, tor- 
sion, ^env?^ warding, or return shall be deemed part of the address. * * * 
address Pait ° f A PP roved January 20, 1888. 

1888. Jan. 20, ch: 2, § 1, 1 Supp., 578. 

Postmaster- The Postmaster-General * * * is hereby authorized to in- 
thoHz'ed to E al- vestigate all claims of postmasters for the loss of money-order 
low credit for f un d S , postal funds, postage stamps, stamped envelopes, news- 

1888, May 9, paper wrappers, and postal cards, belonging to the United States 

Supp., 2 5 3 85.' 1 in the hands of such postmasters, resulting from burglary, fire, 

or other unavoidable casualty, and if he shall determine that 

—not due to such loss resulted from no fault or negligence on the part of 

negligence o f such postmasters, to pay to such postmasters, or credit them with 
postmasters. L 



103 

the amount so ascertained to have been lost or destroyed, and 

also to credit postmasters with the amount of any remittance of 

money-order funds or postal funds made by them in compliance 

with the instructions of the Postmaster-General, which shall have 

been lost or stolen while in transit by mail from the office of the 

remitting postmaster to the office designated as his depository, or 

after arrival at such depository office and before the postmaster at 

such depository office has become responsible therefor : Provided, ~ in excess °* 

$2,000 to be 
That no claim exceeding the sum of two thousand dollars shall reportedto 

be paid or credited until after the facts shall have been ascer- Co gfg es f 'g 9 q 

tained by the Postmaster-General and reported to Congress, June 11, ch. 

424, 2 Supp., 

together with his recommendation thereon, and an appropria- 528 (limit in- 
tion made therefor: And provided further, * * * that no I^OOO? d t0 
claim for losses * * * shall be allowed unless presented within 
six months from the time the loss occurred. Sled in six 

It is hereby made the duty of the Postmaster-General to report mo " ths , 
his action herein to Congress annually, with his reasons therefor 
in each particular case. 

Approved May 9, 1888. 

* * * Eight hours shall constitute a day's work for letter- Hours of 

service. 
carriers in cities or postal districts connected therewith, for which 1888, May 

they shall receive the same pay as is now paid as for a day's work lup p ch '587. 8 ' 1 

of a greater number of hours. If any letter-carrier is employed — not to ex- 

ceed eight a 
a greater number of hours per day than eight he shall be paid day. 

extra for the same in proportion to the salary now fixed by law. fo? xtra ' P a y 

Approved May 24, 1888. 

Any person who shall submit, or cause to be submitted to any False e v i - 

postmaster or to the Post-Office Department or any officer of the character 8 of 

postal service any false evidence, relative to the character of any publication to 

secure entry as 
publication, for the purpose of securing the admission thereof at second-class. 

the second-class rate for transportation in the mails, shall be 18 18 c 8 if' 394 n i 

deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and for every such offense, upon Supp., 593. 

conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one — penalty for 

hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. submitting. 

Approved June 18, 1888. 

Any person who shall, with intent to defraud, falsely forge or Forging, coun- 
counterfeit the signature of any postmaster, assistant postmaster, unlawful" issue 
chief clerk, or clerk upon or to any money-order or postal note, ° f , money or- 
or blank therefor provided or issued by or under the direction of 1888, June 
the Post-Office Department of the United States or of any foreign 1 su PP ., 593: ' 
country, and payable in the United States or any material sig- 
nature or indorsement thereon, or any material signature to any 
receipt or certificate of identification thereon ; any person who 
shall falsely alter, or cause or procure to be falsely altered in Alteration of 
any material respect, or knowingly aid or assist in falsely so alter- order - 
ing any such money-order or postal-note; any person who shall, 
with intent to defraud, pass, utter, or publish any such forged or Passing, etc., 
altered money-order or postal-note knowing any material signa- °* f °I se ^ Ae ^ 
ture or indorsement thereon to be false, forged, or counterfeited, etc. 
or any material alteration therein to have been falsely made ; any 



104 

postmaster, assistant postmaster, or clerk employed in any post- 
Unlawful is- office or branch post-office who shall issue any money-order or 
sue of orders. * . . J* 

postal-note, without having previously received or paid the lull 

amount ol money payable therefor, with the purpose of fraudu- 
lently obtaining or receiving, or fraudulently enabling any other 
person, either directly or indirectly, to obtain or receive from the 
United States, or any officer or agent thereof, the sum of money 

Presentation specified in such money-order or postal-note ; any person who, 
of forged or 1 

unlawfully is- with intent to defraud the. United States, transmits, or presents to, 
sued orders, or causes or procures to be transmitted to or presented to any offi- 
cer, or at any office of the Government of the United States, any 
money-order or postal-note, knowing the same to contain any 
forged or counterfeited signature to the same or to any material 
indorsement, receipt, or certificate thereon, or material alteration 
therein unlawfully made, or to have been unlawfully issued with- 
out previous payment of the amount required to be paid upon 
— penalty. such issue, shall, upon conviction, be punishable by fine of not 

more than five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment at hard labor 
for not less than one year and not more than five years. 
Approved June 18, 1888. 

Seeds, bulbs, The postage on seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants 
P 1888, Vu l y shall be charged at the rate of one cent for each two ounces or 
24, eh. 702 25 fraction thereof, subject in all other respects to the existing law. 

fetat. Li., o4<. 

— postage on. Approved July 24, 1888. 

Sureties, If, upon the statement of the account of any official of the 

imty. ° f lm United States, or of any officer disbursing or chargeable with pub- 

— -on bonds of \[ c money, by the accounting officers of the Treasury, it shall 

United States, thereby appear that he is indebted to the United States, and suit 

Gt 1888, e A^fg. r 8i therefor shall not be instituted within five years after such state- 

ch. 787, § 2, l inent of said account, the sureties on his bond shall not be liable 
Supp., 605. . 

for such indebtedness. 

Approved August 8, 1888. 

Obscene mat- Every obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, paper, 
ter. 

1888, Sept. letter, writing, print, or other publication of an indecent character, 

f % c \ gup^f ' and every article or thing designed or intended for the prevention 
621.' ' of conception or procuring of abortion, and every article or thing 

intended or adapted for any indecent or immoral use, and every 
written or printed card, letter, circular, book, pamphlet, adver- 
tisement or notice of any kind giving information, directly or 
indirectly, where or how, or of whom, or by what means any of 
the hereinbefore mentioned matters, articles, or things may be 
obtained or made, whether sealed as first-class matter or not, are 
— nonmailable, hereby declared to be nonmailable matter, and shall not be con- 
veyed in the mails nor delivered from any post-office nor by any 
letter-carrier ; and any person who shall knowingly deposit, or 
cause to be deposited, for mailing or delivery, anything declared 
by this section to be nonmailable matter, and any person who 
shall knowingly take the same, or cause the same to be taken, 
from the mails for the purpose of circulating or disposing of, or 
of aiding in the circulation or disposition of the same, shall, for 



105 

each and every offense, be fined upon conviction thereof not more — penalty for 
than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned at hard labor not more r taking' from 
than five years, or both, at the discretion of the court. And all mails - 
offences committed under the section of which this is amendatory 
(R. S. § 3893, as amended by act of July 12, 187G, ch. 186), 
prior to the approval of this act, may be prosecuted and punished 
under the same in the same manner and with the same effect as 
if this act had not been passed: Provided, That nothing in this act 
shall authorize any person to open any letter or sealed matter 
of the first class not addressed to himself. 
Approved September 26, 1888. 

All matter otherwise mailable by law, upon the envelope or out- Scurrilous 
side cover or wrapper of which, or any postal card upon which. ^888, Sept. 
any delineations, epithets, terms, or language of an indecent, lewd, | 6 ^ c ^ U pp 03 f 9-^ 
lascivious, obscene, libelous, scurrilous, defamatory, or threaten- —nonmailable, 
ing character, or calculated by the terms or manner or style of 
display and obviously intended to reflect injuriously upon the char- 
acter or conduct of another may be written or printed, or otherwise 
impressed or apparent, are hereby declared nonmailable matter, 
and shall not be conveyed in the mails, nor delivered from any 
post-office nor by any letter carrier, and shall be withdrawn from — withdrawal 
the mails under such regulations as the Postmaster-General shall 
prescribe ; and any person who shall knowingly deposit, or cause 
to be deposited, for mailing or delivery, anything declared by this 
section to be nonmailable matter, and any person who shall know- 
ingly take the same or cause the same to be taken from the mails, 
for the purpose of circulating or disposing of, or of aiding in the 
circulation or disposition of the same, shall, for each and every 

offense, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than five thou penalty f or 

sand dollars, or imprisoned at hard labor not more than five years. i ng - f r om mails 
or both, at the discretion of the court. t0 circulate. 

Approved September 26, 1888. 

* * * The omission by the sender to place the lawful postage . P c °|i age c i e irv* 

upon a letter bearing such special-delivery stamp and otherwise ery letters. 

entitled to immediate delivery under the provisions of this section ^y^Tletters, 

(act of March 3, 1885, ch. 342, § 3), shall not hinder or delav the not to delay 

transmission, 
transmission and delivery thereof as provided herein, but such 1889, Jan. 

lawful postage shall be collected upon its delivery, in the manner s up p C ? 638. ' 
now provided by law for the collection of deficient postage result- 
ing from overweight of letters. 
Approved January 16, 1889. 

The Postmaster-General may conclude arrangements with the Establish- 

J b ment of i n - 

post departments of foreign governments with which postal con- ter national 

ventions have been or may be concluded for the exchange, by s^r^c^ 01 ei 

means of postal orders, of small sums of money, not exceeding one 1889 > J J n • 

hundred dollars in amount, at such rates of exchange * * * Su'pp., 638. ' 

and under such rules and regulations as he may deem expedient ; FeesT entl ° nS 

and the expenses of establishing and conducting such systems of Expenses. 

exchange may be paid out of the proceeds of the money-order 

business. 

Approved January 30, 1889. 



106 

Useless Whenever there shall be in any one of the Executive Depart- 
Pa i889, Feb. ments of the Government an accumulation of files of papers, 
\Supp Ch " 6 ? 4 4 * wnich are not needed or useful in the transaction of the current 
see 1881, Mar! business of such Department and have no permanent value or 
Supp.,' 320. ' historical interest, it shall be the duty of the head of such Depart- 
— report there- ment to submit to Congress a report of that fact, accompanied by 
' a concise statement of the condition and character of such papers. 
And upon the submission of such report, it shall be the duty of 
the presiding officer of the Senate to appoint two Senators, and of 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint two Rep- 
resentatives, and the Senators and Representatives so appointed 
shall constitute a joint committee, to which shall be referred such 
report, with the accompanying statement of the condition and 
character of such papers, and such joint committee shall meet and 
examine such report and statement and the papers therein de- 
scribed, and submit to the Senate and House, respectively, a report 
of such examination and their recommendation. And if they 
report that such files of papers, or any part thereof, are not needed 
or useful in the transaction of the current business of such Depart- 
ment, and have no permanent value or historical interest, then it 
— sale of, etc., shall be the duty of such head of the Department to sell as waste 
ized W L01 paper, or otherwise dispose of such files of papers upon the best 

obtainable terms after due publication of notice inviting proposals 
therefor, and receive and pay the proceeds thereof into the Treas- 
ury of the United States, and make report thereof to Congress. 
Approved February 16, 1889. 

Classification The Postmaster-General * * * is hereby authorized to 
clerks at oflfices classify and fix the salaries of the clerks and employees attached 
of the first to the first-class post-offices * * * as hereinafter provided. 

18 8 9, Mar. Assistant postmaster, salary not exceeding fifty per centum of 

Supp.,' 680. ' the salary of the postmaster, as provided by act of March third, 

Assistant eighteen hundred and eighty-three, graded in even hundreds of 
postmasters. 

dollars, from one thousand five hundred dollars to not exceeding 

three thousand dollars per annum, except New York, New York, 

where the salary of the assistant postmaster shall be fixed at three 

thousand five hundred dollars per annum, and that of the second 

assistant postmaster at two thousand dollars per annum. 

Secretaries Secretary and stenographer to postmaster, five classes, salary, 

an d stenogra- graded in even hundreds of dollars, from one thousand two hun- 

phers to post- ° 

master. dred dollars to not exceeding one thousand six hundred dollars 

per annum. 

Cashier, five classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dollars, 
at one thousand eight hundred dollars, two thousand dollars, two 
thousand two hundred dollars, two thousand four hundred dollars, 
and not exceeding two thousand six hundred dollars per annum. 
Assistant Assistant cashier, three classes, salary, graded in even hundreds 
of dollars, at one thousand two hundred dollars, one thousand 
three hundred dollars, and not exceeding one thousand four hun- 
dred dollars per annum. 
Finance Finance clerks, including bookkeepers, six classes, salary, 

clpi*ks Y) o o lc - 

keepers. graded in even hundreds of dollars, from one thousand two hun- 

dred dollars to not exceeding one thousand seven hundred dollars 
per annum. 



Cashiers. 



107 

Stamp clerks, ten classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of Stamp clerks, 
dollars, from eight hundred dollars to not exceeding one thousand 
seven hundred dollars per annum. 

* * * * * 

Superintendents of mails, salary not exceeding forty-five per Superintend- 
centum of the salary of the postmaster, as provided by the act of ents of mails * 
March third, eighteen hundred and eighty-three, graded in even 
hundreds of dollars, from one thousand three hundred dollars to 
not exceeding two thousand seven hundred dollars per annum, 
except at New York, New York, where the salary of the superin- 
tendent of mails shall be fixed at three thousand two hundred 
dollars per annum. 

Assistant superintendent of mails, three classes, salary, graded Assistant su- 
in even hundreds of dollars, at one thousand two hundred dollars, * f mai i s# 
one thousand three hundred dollars, and not exceeding one thou- 
sand four hundred dollars per annum. 

Superintendents of delivery, salary not exceeding forty-five per Superintend- 
centum of the salary of the postmaster, as provided by the act of gjyf ° f de * V " 
March third, eighteen hundred and eighty-three, graded in even 
hundreds of dollars, from one thousand three hundred dollars to 
not exceeding two thousand seven hundred dollars per annum, 
except at New York, New York, where the salary of the superin- 
tendent of delivery shall be fixed at three thousand two hundred 
dollars per annum. 

Assistant superintendents of delivery, three classes, salary, Assistant su- 

graded in even hundreds of dollars, at one thousand two hundred o/deUvery. 611 S 

dollars, one thousand three hundred dollars, and not exceeding one 

thousand four hundred dollars per annum. 

Superintendents of registry, salary not exceeding thirty-five per Superintend- 

Guts of rGsriS" 
centum of the salary of the postmaster, as provided by the act of tr y. 

March third, eighteen hundred and eighty-three, graded in even 
hundreds of dollars, from one thousand dollars to not exceeding 
two thousand one hundred dollars per annum, except at New York, ■ — at New York, 
New York, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, District of Columbia, £^0^°' Wash " 
where the salary of the superintendent of registry shall be fixed at 
not exceeding forty per centum of the salary of the postmaster, as 
provided by the act of March third, eighteen hundred and eighty- 
three. 

Assistant superintendents of registry, salary not exceeding Assistant su- 
twenty-five per centum of the salary of the postmaster, as provided oAVgtetry. 611 
by the act of March third, eighteen hundred and eighty-three, 
graded in even hundreds of dollars, from one thousand dollars to 
not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars per annum, except 
at New York, New York, where the salary of the first and second — New York, 
assistant superintendents of registry shall be fixed at two thou- 
sand four hundred dollars and one thousand eight hundred dol- 
lars per annum, respectively. 

Superintendent, money-order division, salary not exceeding Superintend- 
forty per centum of the salary of the postmaster, as provided by der S divis?on.~ 0r ' 
the act of March third, eighteen hundred and eighty-three, graded 
in even hundreds of dollars, from one thousand dollars to not 

exceeding two thousand four hundred dollars per annum, except at at New York. 

New York, New York, where the salary of the superintendent of 



108 

the money-order division shall be fixed at three thousand two hun- 
dred dollars per annum. 

Assistant su- Assistant superintendent, money-order division, ten (eleven) 
p e r i ntendents , . , .., . 1JJje n,i * . ■, a. 

money-order classes, salary, graded m even hundreds of dollars, from eight 

divisions. hundred dollars to not exceeding one thousand eight hundred dol- 

— at New York, lars per annum, except at New York, New York, where the salary 
of the first and second assistant superintendents of money-order 
division and the chief bookkeeper shall be fixed at two thousand 
four hundred dollars, one thousand eight hundred dollars, and one 
thousand eight hundred dollars, respectively. 
Superintend- Superintendents of stations, ten (eleven) classes, salary, graded 
tions S ° S m even hundreds of dollars, from one thousand dollars to not 
— at New York, exceeding two thousand dollars per annum, except at New York, 
New York, where the salaries of the superintendents of Stations 
"A " and " D " shall be fixed at two thousand five hundred dollars 
each per annum, and superintendents of Stations " E " and " F " 
shall be fixed at two thousand two hundred dollars each per 
annum. 
Clerks in Clerks in charge of stations, nine classes, salary, graded in even 
tion? e ° f Sta hundreds of dollars, from one hundred dollars to not exceeding 
nine hundred dollars per annum. 
Foreman o f Foremen of crews or working sections, six classes, salary, graded 
tions 1 etc s e c ~ in even hundreds of dollars, from nine hundred dollars to not 
exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars per annum. 
Mailing Mailing clerks, letter distributors, dispatchers, registry, money 
clerks, etc. order, directory, and nixie clerks, nine classes, salary, graded in 

even hundreds of dollars, from six hundred dollars to not exceed- 
ing one thousand four hundred dollars per annum. 
Separators, Separators and assorters, paper distributors, record clerks, gen- 
eral-delivery clerks, inquiry clerks, clerks for special-delivery 
mail, raters of third and fourth class mail matter, weighers of 
second-class mail matter, stock or supply clerks, and timekeepers, 
seven classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dollars, from six 
hundred dollars to not exceeding one thousand two hundred dol- 
lars per annum. 
Stampers, etc. Stampers and mail messengers, five classes, salary, graded in 
even hundreds of dollars, from four hundred dollars to not exceed- 
ing eight hundred dollars per annum. 
Printers. Printers, four classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dollars, 

from nine hundred dollars to not exceeding one thousand two 
hundred dollars per annum. 
Press men, Pressmen, messengers, watchmen, laborers, janitors, porters, 

iyi p s s p n o 'pi*^ 

etc . & firemen, carpenters, waste-paper examiners, and general-utility 

clerks, four classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dollars, 
from four hundred dollars to not exceeding seven hundred dollars 
per annum. . ~ 

Auditor and Auditor and draftsman at New York, New York, three thou- 
New Yo S rk! a n ' sand dollars and one thousand two hundred dollars per annum, 
respectively. 

Approved March 2, 1889. 

Classifica- The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized to classify and 
in offices of the fix the salaries of the clerks attached to second-class post-offices, 
second class. * * * as hereinafter provided. 



109 

Chief clerk, nine classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dol- l889,_Mar. 2, 
lars, from seven hundred dollars to not exceeding one thousand supp! R.' S., 
five hundred dollars per annum. 68 Chief clerk. 

Mailing clerks, letter distributers, dispatchers, registry clerks, Mailing 

clorks etc 
stamp clerks, and money-order clerks, five classes, salary, graded 

in even hundreds of dollars, from six hundred dollars to not 

exceeding one thousand dollars per annum. 

Separators and assorters, paper distributers, general-delivery Separators, 
clerks, and general-utility clerks, four classes, salary, graded in etc - 
even hundreds of dollars, from six hundred dollars to not exceed- 
ing nine hundred dollars per annum. 

Stampers, messengers, porters, janitors, and watchmen, four Stampers, 
classes, salary, graded in even hundreds of dollars, from three etc. & 

hundred dollars to not exceeding six hundred dollars. 

Approved March 2, 18S9. 

No clerk or emplovee (in any post-office of the first or second Clerks in first 

and second 
class) shall be promoted or advanced in grade or salary without class post-of - 

the approval of the Postmaster-General, * * * and post- Ranged* with 6 

masters at offices of the first and second classes shall submit out approval 

of Postmaster- 
rosters of the clerks attached to their respective offices to the General. 

Postmaster-General, to take effect from the first day of the fiscal c ^f 8 ^^]' \ 

year, * * * and no roster shall be considered in effect until Supp., 682. 

Rosters. 
approved by the Postmaster-General. 

Approved March 2, 1889. 

The Postmaster-General may, when if in his judgment the good Contracts 
of the service so requires, make contract for necessary supplies fr~ee UP delivery 01 
for the free-delivery service for a period not exceeding four years. c ^ 889 g^ v .' \ 

Approved March 2, 1889. Supp., 682.' 

If any person having devised or intending to devise any scheme Fraudulent 
or artifice to defraud, or to sell, dispose of, loan, exchange, alter, IcJods schemes 1 ! 
give away, or distribute, supply, or furnish, or procure for unlaw- 2 * 8 8 ® Q » 3 ^J- 
ful use any counterfeit or spurious coin, bank notes, paper money, l'supp., 694. 
or any obligation or security of the United States or of any 
State, Territory, municipality, company, corporation, or person, or 
anything represented to be or intimated or held out to be such 
■counterfeit or spurious articles, or any scheme or artifice to obtain 
money by or through correspondence, by what is commonly called 
the " sawdust swindle," or " counterfeit-money fraud," or by deal- 
ing or pretending to deal in what is commonly called " green arti- 
cles," " green coin," " bills," " paper goods," " spurious Treasury 
notes," " United States goods," " green cigars," or any other names 
or terms intended to be understood as relating to such counterfeit 
or spurious articles, to be effected by either opening or intending 
to open correspondence or communication with any person, whether 
resident within or outside the United States, by means of the 
Post-Office Establishment of the United States, or by inciting such 
other person or any person to open communication with the person 
so devising or intending, shall, in and for executing such scheme or 
artifice or attempting so to do, place or cause to be placed, any 
letter, packet, writing, circular, pamphlet, or advertisement in any 
post-office, branch post-office, or street or hotel letter-box of the 



110 

United States, to be sent or delivered by the said Post-Office Estab- 
lishment, or shall take or receive any such therefrom, such person 
so misusing the Post-Office Establishment shall, upon conviction, be 
— penalty for punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars and by 
conduct of. imprisonment for not more than eighteen months, or by both such 
—indictment Punishments, at the discretion of the court. The indictment, 
for. information, or complaint may severally charge offenses to the 
number of three when committed within the same six calendar 
months ; but the court thereupon shall give a single sentence, and 
shall proportion the punishment especially to the degree in which 
the abuse of the Post-Office Establishment enters as an instrument 
into such fraudulent scheme and device. 
using iictj- 2. Any person who, in and for conducting, promoting, or carry- 

tious names, mg ou m anv manner by means of the Post-Office Establishment 
etc., in promo- 
tion of. of the United States, any scheme or device mentioned in the pre- 

Td § 9 

ceding section, or any other unlawful business whatsoever, shall 
use or assume or request to be addressed by any fictitious, false, 
or assumed title, name, or address, or name other than his own 
proper name, or shall take or receive from any post-office of the 
United States any letter, postal card, or packet addressed to any 
such fictitious, false, or assumed title, name, or address, or name 
other than his own lawful and proper name, shall, upon conviction, 
— penalty. be punishable as provided in the first section of this act. 

Fictitious 3. The Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory to 
m i889 Mar 2 n ^ m ' * na *" an ^ P erson is using any fictitious, false, or assumed name, 
ch. 393, § 3, l title, or address in conducting, promoting, or carrying on, or assist- 
U T?e'atme°nt of ing therein, by means of the Post-Office establishment of the 
dresseVto ficti- United States, any business scheme or device in violation of the 
tious names, provisions of this act, instruct any postmaster at any post-office at 
motion of un- which such letters, cards, or packets, addressed to such fictitious, 
ness Ul busi " false, or assumed name or address arrive to notify the party 
claiming or receiving such letters, cards, or packets to appear at 
the post-office and be identified ; and if the party so notified fail to 
appear and be identified, or if it shall satisfactorily appear that 
such letters, cards, or packets are addressed to a fictitious, false, 
or assumed name or address, such letters, postal cards, or pack- 
ages shall be forwarded to the dead-letter office as fictitious matter. 
Green goods, 4. All matter the deposit of which in the mails is by this act 
flS?t1ous nt maS made punishable is hereby declared nonmailable; but nothing in 
ter. ^ this act shall be so construed as to authorize any person other than 

ch. 393, § 4, 1 an employee of the dead-letter office, duly authorized thereto, to 
— nonmalfable °P en an ^ le tter not addressed to himself. 

—delivery of, 5. Whenever the Postmaster-General is satisfied that letters or 

office, when. packets sent in the mails are addressed to places not the residence 

id., § 5. or k usmess address of the persons for whom they are intended, 

to enable such persons to escape identification, he may direct 

postmasters to deliver such letters only from the post-office upon 

identification of persons addressed. 

Approved March 2, 1889. 



Ill 

The general superintendent, Railway Mail Service, the assistant Traveling ex- 
general superintendent, Railway Mail Service, and the chief clerk, C ers, Railway 
Railway Mail Service, shall be paid their necessary and actual Mf ng8^ eiV Mar 
expenses while traveling on the business of the Department. 1, ch. '96, l 

i * -i 1* iqaa Supp., 319.) 

Approved April 10, 1890. 1890, Apr. 16, 

ch. 85, 1 Supp., 
715. 

It shall be the duty of the heads of the several Executive De- Report of em- 

partments of the Government to report to Congress each year in J o^?- Office 

the annual estimates the number of employees in each bureau and De P§nn me ? t- t 

-loyu, July 

office, and the salaries o^ each who are below a fair standard of 11, ch. 667,'§ 2, 
efficiency. —below Jtln'd- 

Approved July 11, 1890. a . rd of effi - 

^ L J ciency. 

* * * ]\j officer, clerk, or employee of any executive depart- Clerks who 

J are notaries 

ment who is also a notary public or other officer authorized to public not to 

administer oaths, shall charge or receive any fee or compensation ^ inTstering 

for administering oaths of office to employees of such department oa .™ 

required to be taken on appointment or promotion therein. ch. 820, § & i, i 

Approved August 29, 1890. Supp - 791 ' 

The Chief Clerks of the several Executive Departments and of Chief clerks 
the various bureaus and offices thereof in Washington, District of may administer 
Columbia, are hereby authorized and directed, on application and oa Jg9o A u 
without compensation therefor, to administer oaths of office to 29, ch. 820, § l, 
employees required to be taken on their appointment or promotion. upp- ' 

Approved August 29, 1890. 

No letter, postal card, or circular concerning any lottery, so- Lotteries, 

° if \ concpi*t^s 

called gift concert, or other similar enterprise offering prizes de- etc. 

pendent upon lot or chance, or concerning schemes devised for the 1( . 189 , ' <f R Pt i 

purpose of obtaining money or propertj^ under false pretenses, Supp., 803. 

and no list of the drawings at any lottery or similar scheme, and 

no lottery ticket or part thereof, and no check, draft, bill, money, 

postal note, or money order for the purchase of any ticket, tickets, 

or part thereof, or of any share or any chance in any such lottery 

or gift enterprise, shall be carried in the mail or delivered at or —matter rela .t- 
s L ' ing to, unmail- 

through any post-office or branch thereof, or by any letter-carrier ; able. 

nor shall any newspaper, circular, pamphlet, or publication of any ~ a A v e r \ i s f ' 

kind containing any advertisement of any lottery or gift enter- newspapers, 

prise of any kind offering prizes dependent upon lot or chance, or e c * 

containing any list of prizes awarded at the drawings of any such 

lottery or gift enterprise, whether said list is of any part or of 

all of the drawing, be carried in the mail or delivered by any 

postmaster or letter-carrier. Any person who shall knowingly de- penalty for 
L .. i o j - mailing matter 

posit or cause to be deposited, or who shall knowingly send or relating to. 
cause to be sent, anything to be conveyed or delivered by mail in 
violation of this section, or who shall knowingly cause to be deliv- 
ered by mail anything herein foridden to be carried by mail, shall 
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be 
punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by 
imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both such fine and 
imprisonment for each offense. Any person violating any of the Venue, 
provisions of this section may be proceeded against by information 



112 

or indictment and tried and punished, either in the district at 
which the unlawful publication was mailed or to which it is car- 
ried by mail for delivery according to the direction thereon, or at 
which it is caused to be delivered by mail to the person to whom 
it is addressed. 
Approved September 19, 1890. 

Delivery of The Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory to him 
mail matter to ,. . 
person or con- that any person or company is engaged m conducting any lottery, 

in^fotteries 1 or gift enterprise, or scheme for the distribution of money, or of any 

fraudulent en- re al or personal property by lot, chance, or drawing of any kind, 
terprises etc. 

1890, Sept. or that any person or company is conducting any other scheme or 

If' l Ch S u p 8 p . ! device for obtaining money or property of any kind through the 

804. mails by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations,* 

- — Postmaster- L ' 

General may or promises, instruct postmasters at any post-offices at which regis- 

orbid, when, ^ered letters arrive directed to any such person or company, or 

to the agent or representative of any such person or company, 

whether such agent or representative is acting as an individual 

Return of or as a firm, bank, corporation, or association of any kind, to re- 
matter to send- x ,,,.,,,, 
ers. turn all such registered letters to the postmaster at the office at 

which they were originally mailed, with the word " Fraudulent " 
plainly written or stamped upon the outside thereof ; and all such 
letters so returned to such postmasters shall be by them returned 
to the writers thereof, under such regulations as the Postmaster- 
Sealed mat- General may prescribe. But nothing contained in this section 

ter not to be . „ , , ,, 

opened. shall be so construed as to authorize any postmaster or other per- 

_ Public adver- son to open any letter not addressed to himself. The public adver- 
tisement e v i - . 
d e n c e of tisement by such person, or company so conducting such lottery, 

gift enterprise, scheme, or device, that remittances for the same 

may be made by registered letters to any other person, firm, bank, 

corporation, or association named therein shall be held to be 

prima facie evidence of the existence of said agency by all the 

parties named therein ; but the Postmaster-General shall not be 

precluded from ascertaining the existence of such agency in any 

other legal way satisfactory to himself. 

Approved September 19, 1890. 

Payment of The Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory to him 
money orders ,. , . _ . ,. , , , 

to persons or that any person or company is engaged in conducting any lottery, 

ductfng S fraud- gift enterprise, or scheme for the distribution of money, or of any 

ulent schemes, real or personal property by lot, chance, or drawing of any kind, 
lotteries etc 

1890, ' Sept. or that any person or company is conducting any other scheme 

i 9 'l Supp °l'04 for obtaining money or property of any kind through the mails 

by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or 

—may be for- promises, forbid the payment by any postmaster to said person or 

company of any postal money -orders drawn to his or its order or in 

— orders pay- his or its favor or to the agent of any such person or company, 

may be indKd- whether such agent is acting as an individual or as a firm, bank, 

ed - corporation, or association of any kind, and may provide by regu- 

Amount of lation for the return to the remitters of the sums named in such 
orders to foe re- 
turned to re- money-orders. But this shall not authorize any person to open 

mitters. any i e tter not addressed to himself. The public advertisement by 

such person or company so conducting any such lottery, gift enter- 
prise, scheme, or device that remittances for the same may be 



113 

made by means of postal money-orders to any other person, firm, 

bank, corporation, or association named therein shall be held to 

be prima facie evidence of the existence of said agency by all the What consti- 

parties named therein ; but the Postmaster-General shall not be of agency. 

precluded from ascertaining the existence of such agency in any 

other legal way. 

Approved September 19, 1890. 

* * * Clerks and employees attached to first and second Leaves of ab- 
class post-offices * * * (shall) be allowed leaves of absence se ig9o° r o le t rk f* 
with full pay for not exceeding fifteen days in any one fiscal year : e h . 12 6 0, i 
Provided, That no clerk or employee be granted a leave * * * — not till in 
until he has performed service for one year. service a year. 

Approved October 1, 1890. 

* * * The employees of the mail-bag repair shops connected Leaves of ab- 
with the Post-Office Department of the United States, whether pioyees of re- 
employed by the month, day, or otherwise, (shall) be allowed pa i89o°Oct 1 
leaves of absence with full pay for not exceeding fifteen days in c h . l 2 6 ', l 
any one fiscal year : Provided, That no * * * employee be — not till in 
granted a leave * * * until he has performed service for one service a year, 
year. 

Approved October 1, 1890. 

The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized and empowered to Ocean mail 

enter into contracts for a term not less than five nor more than igg-^ Mar> 3? 

ten years in duration, with American citizens, for the carrying of | h - 5 q |' 1 

mails on American steamships, between ports of the United States See 18 8 5, 

find such ports in foreign countries, the Dominion of Canada S4:2 ,' § 1, 23 

excepted, as in his judgment will best subserve and promote the stat - L > 38 7: 
1 j» a — •authority 

postal and commercial interests of the United States, the mail for establish- 
service on such lines to be equitably distributed among the Atlan- men ° ' 
tic, Mexican Gulf, and Pacific ports. Said contracts shall be made 
with the lowest responsible bidder for the performance of said 
service on each route, and the Postmaster-General shall have the 
right to reject all bids not in his opinion reasonable for the attain- 
ing of the purposes named. 

2. Before making any contract for carrying ocean mails in Advertise- 
accordance with this act the Postmaster-General shall give public jfdsals. ° r Pr °" 
notice by advertising once a week, for three months, in such daily 
papers as he shall select in each of the cities of Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, St. Louis, Charleston, Nor- 
folk, Savannah, Galveston, and Mobile, and when the proposed 
service is to be on the Pacific Ocean, then in San Francisco, 
Tacoma, and Portland. Such notice shall describe the route, the 
time when such contract will be made, the duration of the same, 
the size of the steamers to be used, the number of trips a year, 
the times of sailing, and the time when the service shall commence, 
which shall not be more than three years after the contract shall 
be let. The details of the mode of advertising and letting such 
contracts shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in chapter 
eight of title forty-six of the Revised Statutes for the letting of 
inland mail contracts so far as the same shall be applicable to the 
ocean mail service. 

6300—07 8 



114 

Vessels and 3. The vessels employed in the mail service under the provisions 
r 6 q Ti i r GmGnts 
thereof. of this act shall be American-built steamships, owned and officered 

by American citizens, in conformity with the existing laws, or so 
owned and officered and registered according to law, and upon 
each departure from the United States the following proportion of 
the crew shall be citizens of the United States, to wit : During the 
first two years of such contract for carrying the mails, one- 
fourth thereof; during the next three succeeding years, one-third 
thereof; and during the remaining time of the continuance of 
such contract at least one-half thereof; and shall be constructed 
after the latest and most approved types, with all the modern 
improvements and appliances for ocean steamers. They shall be 

— first class, divided into four classes. The first class shall be iron or steel 
screw steamships, capable of maintaining a speed of twenty knots 
an hour at sea in ordinary weather, and of a gross registered ton- 
nage or not less than eight thousand tons. No vessel except of 
said first class shall be accepted for said mail service under the 
provisions of this act between the United States and Great Britain. 

— second class. The second class shall be iron or steel steamships, capable of 
maintaining a speed of sixteen knots an hour at sea in ordinary 
weather, and of a gross registered tonnage of not less than five 

— third class, thousand tons. The third class shall be iron or steel steamships, 
capable of maintaining a speed of fourteen knots an hour at sea in 
ordinary weather, and of a gross registered tonnage of not less 

—fourth class, than two thousand five hundred tons. The fourth class shall be 
iron or steel or wooden steamships, capable of maintaining a speed 
of twelve knots an hour at sea in ordinary weather, and of a gross 
registered tonnage of not less than fifteen hundred tons. It shall 
be stipulated in the contract or contracts to be entered into for the 
said mail service that the said vessel may carry passengers with 
their baggage in addition to said mails and may do all ordinary 
business done by steamships. 
Construction 4. All steamships of the first, second, and third classes employed 

conversion as above and hereafter built shall be constructed with particular 

into auxiliary reference to prompt and economical conversion into auxiliary naval 
naval cruisers. L L 

cruisers, and according to plans and specifications to be agreed 

upon by and between the owners and the Secretary of the Navy, 
and they shall be of sufficient strength and stability to carry and 
sustain the working and operation of at least four effective rifled 
cannon of a caliber of not less than six inches, and shall be of 
the highest rating known to maritime commerce. And all vessels 
of said three classes heretofore built and so employed shall, before 
they are accepted for the mail service herein provided for, be 
thoroughly inspected by a competent naval officer or constructor 
detailed for that service by the Secretary of the Navy ; and such 
officer shall report, in writing, to the Secretary of the Navy, who 
shall transmit said report to the Postmaster-General ; and no such 
vessel not approved by the Secretary of the Navy as suitable for 
the service required shall be employed by the Postmaster-General 
as provided for in this act. 
Compensa- 5. The rate of compensation to be paid for such ocean mail serv- 
ice of the said first-class ships shall not exceed the sum of four 
dollars a mile, and for the second-class ships two dollars a mile, 
by the shortest practicable route, for each outward voyage; for 



115 

the third-class ships shall not exceed one dollar a mile, and for 
the fourth-class ships two-thirds of a dollar a mile for the actual 
number of miles required hy the Post-Office Department to be 
traveled on each outward bound voyage: Provided, That in the Deduction 
case of failure from any cause to perform the regular voyages Jj^ fo^^-egi 
stipulated for in said contracts or any of them, a pro rata deduc- ularities. 
tion shall be made from the compensation on account of such 
omitted voyage or voyages ; and that suitable fines and penalties 
may be imposed for delays or irregularities in the due performance 
of service according to the contract, to be determined by the _ No other sub- 
Postmaster-General : Provided further, That no steamship so em- Sldy * 
ployed and so paid for carrying the United States mails shall 
receive any other bounty or subsidy from the Treasury of the 
United States. 

6. Upon each of said vessels the United States shall be entitled . Transporta- 
to have transported, free of charge, a mail messenger, whose duty c o m m o elation 
it shall be to receive, sort, take in charge and deliver the mails of P° stal clerk, 
to and from the United States, and who shall be provided with 

suitable room for the accommodation of himself and the mails. 

7. Officers of the United States Navy may volunteer for service Volunteers 
oh said mail vessels, and when accepted by the contractor or con- se is. 
tractors may be assigned to such duty by the Secretary of the Navy 

whenever in his opinion such assignment can be made without 
detriment to the service, and while in said employment they shall 
receive furlough pay from the Government, and such other com- 
pensation from the contractor or contractors as may be agreed 
upon by the parties: Provided, That they shall only be required 
to perform such duties as appertains to the merchant service. 

8. Said vessels shall take, as cadets or apprentices, one Ameri- Cadets, 
can-born boy under twenty-one years of age for each one thousand 

tons gross register, and one for each majority fraction thereof, 
who shall be educated in the duties of seamanship, rank as petty 
officers, and receive such pay for their services as may be rea- 
sonable. 

9. Such steamers may be taken and used by the United States Uses of ves- 
as transports or cruisers, upon payment to the owners of the fair p 6 s r t s od 
actual value of the same at the time of the taking, and if there cruisers, 
shall be a disagreement as to the fair actual value of the same 

at the time of the taking, and if there shall be a disagreement as 
to the fair actual [value] between the United States and the 
owners, then the same shall be determined by two impartial 
appraisers, one to be appointed by each of said parties, they at the 
same time selecting a third, who shall act in said appraisement in 
case the two shall fail to agree. 
Approved March 3, 1891. 

The Deputy Auditors for the Post-Office Department are charged . Deputy Au- 

with the examination, and signing in the name of the Auditor, of -iduties of. 

Post-Office Department warrants, collection and transfer drafts, ~j^ ™f ers° er " 

and certificates of settlement of accounts to the Postmaster-Gen- See 1891, 

Mar 3 ch 541 
eral, and the control of the appropriations for furniture and mis- i siipp., 926. ' 

cellaneous items. During the absence of the Auditor one of the tiom? P f ™ P suS- 

Deputy Auditors acts in his stead. plies. 

Approved March 3," 1891. . ditt?^ AU ~ 



116 

Fourth A s - The appointment of a Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General was 
sistant Post- „ , ,, . , , ,. . ,, . ,. . ,. , 

master-Gene- first authorized by the following appropriation in the act of 

ral i891, M ar. March3 ' 1891: 

3, ch. 541, 1 For Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General, four thousand dollars. 
Supp., 927. 
Note. Note.— The appropriation for the salary of a Fourth Assistant 

Postmaster-General has been repeated in every subsequent appro- 
priation act. 

Approved March 3, 1891. 

Traveling The division superintendents, assistant division superintend- 

GXDGDS6S Ol 

postal clerks ents, and chief clerks, Railway Mail Service, and railway postal 
an iee th l 8% 1 , clerks ' eacn sba11 De P aid their actual and necessary expenses 
Mar. 3, ch. 546, while actually traveling on the business of the Post-Office Depart- 
1018. "' ment and away from their several designated headquarters. 

JunT 2, 9 °c°h.' 'Approved March 3, 1891. 
613, 31 ' Stat*. 
L., 259. 

Designation The Postmaster-General may from time to time designate any 

sign wan-ants, officer of the Post-Office Department, above the grade of fourth- 

3 1 ch 91 547 Ia i class clerk > to sign warrants in his stead, and such warrants when 

Supp., 932.' so signed, shall be of the same validity as if they had been signed 

by the Postmaster-General. 

Approved March 3, 1891. 

Official mat- The Postmaster-General is authorized to provide for the trans- 
termaybe 
transported by portation of official matter of any Department of the Government, 

express^ ^ oyer any railroad or express company, whenever he can do so at 

13, ch. 165, § a saving to the Government and without detriment to the public 

— franked 'ton- service : Provided, That nothing in this section shall apply to 

fer S excepted. at " official matter franked by members of Congress. 

Approved July 13, 1892. 

Miscellane- After providing by general advertisement for the transportation 
tings. mai " of the mails in any St#te or Territory as authorized by law, the 
2fi 18 h 2 '249 Ul 2 P os tmaster-General may secure any mail service that may become 
Supp., 47. ' necessary before the next general advertisement for said State 
e7al^ advertise- or Territory by posting notices, for a period of not less than ten 

ment . . days in the post-offices at the termini of any route to be let, and 

— advertise-" 7 x J 

ment for. upon a bulletin board in the Post-Office Department, inviting pro- 

posals, in such form and with such guaranty as may be prescribed 
by the Postmaster-General, for the performance of the proposed 
Term of con- service. The contract for such service shall be made to run to 
the end of the contract term under the general advertisement, shall 
be made with the lowest bidder whose proposal is in due form, 
and who, under the law, is eligible as a bidder for such postal 
service. 

Approved July 26, .1892. 

Temporary * * * Temporary service rendered necessary by reason of 
1892", July the failure of any bidder or contractor to perform the service 
2 6 Su h p^ 4 48 § 1 ' awarded nim under this act (meaning the act of July 26, 1892) 
— where bidder may be employed by the Postmaster-General without advertise- 
under 0I bunetin ment, at a rate which he may deem reasonable, at the expense of 
faiI» rtiSement any sucl1 failin £ bi^er or contractor. 
Approved July 26, 1892. 



117 

* * * The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized, in his Chutes at- 

j-o pi-) p/1 -f/~\ Ipf 

discretion, to declare by official order that the chutes connected ter boxes. 
with mail boxes that are attached to any chute or device which .> 3 18 ch' 4i a n o 
may be approved by him are a part of said receiving boxes and Supp., 76. 
under the exclusive care and custody of the Post-Office Depart- clared part of 
merit. box - 

Approved January 23, 1893. 

For free-delivery service, including existing experimental free- Rural free 

delivery 
delivery offices, eleven million two hundred and fifty-four thou- Act of Mar. 

sand dollars, of which the sum of ten thousand dollars shall be liQ^f^'g+V 

applied under the direction of the Postmaster-General to experi- L., 732. (Mak- 

mental free-delivery in rural communities other than towns and tions foV^the 

villages. P° stal Serv- 

Approved March 3, 1893. 

* * * The bonds of all postmasters, by the direction of the Fourth Asst. 

Postmaster-General, may be approved and accepted and the ap- —to approve 

proval and acceptance signed by the Fourth Assistant Postmaster- kJnJyf a s * e r s ' 

General in the name of the Postmaster-General. n 1893, Dec. 

21 ch 6 ' 2 
Approved December 21, 1893. Supp., 165. ' 

The postal revenues and all debts due the Post-Office Depart- Payment of 

ment shall, when collected, be paid into the Treasury of the fnto^h^Treas- 

United States under the direction of the Postmaster-General, and UI T- nA T 

1894, Jan. 
the Treasurer, assistant treasurer, or designated depository re- 22, ch. 17, 2 

ceiving such payment shall give the depositor a duplicate receipt gfe 1 l 8 9 6 

therefor, to be retained by him in his office as a voucher, and May 28, ch. 

shall forward the original to the Auditor for the Post-Office De- Supp.', 478.°' 

partment, to be placed to the credit of the depositor in audit of ce St8 h tor e de- 

his accounts. . posits. 

Approved January 22, 1894. 

A money order shall not be issued for more than one hundred a Money or- 

ders 

dollars, and fees for domestic money orders shall be as follows, —fees and lim- 

+ ~ wit • itations. 

t0 Wlt ' 1894, Jan. 

For orders not exceeding two dollars and fifty cents, three cents. 27, ch. 21, § 2, 

For orders exceeding two dollars and fifty cents and not exceed- Single order 

ing five dollars, five cents. ijjjjj ltea t ° 

For orders exceeding five dollars and not exceeding ten dollars, Fees for 
... , money orders, 

eight cents. 

For orders exceeding ten dollars and not exceeding twenty dol- 
lars, ten cents. 

For orders exceeding twenty dollars and not exceeding thirty 
dollars, twelve cents. 

For orders exceeding thirty dollars and not exceeding forty dol- 
lars, fifteen cents. 

For orders exceeding forty dollars and not exceeding fifty dol- 
lars, eighteen cents. 

For orders exceeding fifty dollars and not exceeding sixty dol- 
lars, twenty cents. 

For orders exceeding sixty dollars and not exceeding seventy- 
five dollars, twenty-five cents. 

For orders exceeding seventy-five dollars and not exceeding one 
hundred dollars, thirty cents. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 



118 

Allowance Postmasters at money-order post-offices of the first and second 

1894, Jan. classes may be allowed by the Postmaster-General to employ such 

2 7 'sup'p 21 i67 3 ' numDer of clerks in the transaction of their money-order business 

and at such rates of compensation, respectively, as he may deem 

— at 1st and expedient. The allowances for clerk hire made to postmasters 
2d. clciss offices 

' of the first and second class post-offices by the Postmaster-General 

out of the annual appropriation for clerks in post-offices shall 

cover the cost of clerical services of all kinds in such post-offices, 

including the cost of clerical labor in the money-order business. 

— a t other And at all other money-order post-offices the compensation for 

offices. the clerical labor in the money-order business shall be paid out 

of the fees received for the issue of money orders, and shall be 

three cents for each domestic or international money order issued : 

—at interna- Provided, That the Postmaster-General may allow to the post- 
tional ex- 
change offices, master at each international exchange office such additional 

amount in each case, out of the' annual appropriation for clerks 
in post-offices, _as he may deem expedient, to enable these post- 
masters to obtain the clerical labor necessary for the performance 
of such special duties as are imposed upon them by the operations 
of the money-order system and are not required of other post- 
masters. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

Salaries of ^he salaries of postmasters, as fixed by law, shall be deemed 
postmasters to L 

be full com- and taken to be full compensation for the responsibility and risk 

ai? risks? 1 i a 1 - incurred and for the personal services rendered by them as cus- 
k^ls!!' e T°' todians of the money-order and other funds of the Post-Office 
27, ch.'2l, § 3^ Department. 
2 Supp., 167. Approved January 27, 1894. 

Allowances The allowances for clerk hire made to postmasters of the first 
clerical serv- and second class post-offices by the First Assistant Postmaster- 
iCe i894 Jan General, out of the annual appropriation for clerks in post-offices, 
27, ch. 21. § 3, shall cover the cost of clerical services of all kinds in such post- 
offices, including the cost of clerical labor in the money-order 
business. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

Monthly * * * it shall be the duty of postmasters at all money- 
statements of J ± 
unpaid orders order offices to render to the Auditor for the Post-Office Depart- 

° n i894^ fan . ment a monthly statement * * * of all domestic money orders 
| 7 'su h ' 21 iJ'- 4 ' P a ^ aDle at their respective offices, as evidenced by advice, re-, 
maining unpaid for one year from the last day of the month of 
Disposition issue, such statement to be accompanied by the advice, * * * 
res^ted^y and the amount of money represented by the Auditor's statement 
unpaid orders. an( j ^ tlie mon thly statements of the postmasters, as certified to 
the Postmaster-General by the Auditor, shall be turned into the 
Treasury by the Postmaster-General for account of the Post- 
Office Department to be used as current revenues. 
Approved January 27, 1894. 

Invalid Domestic money orders shall not be paid at the offices upon 
money orders. „ 

1894, Jan. which they are drawn, or at the offices of issue after one year from 

2 7 Supp. 2 i6l. 4 ' the last day of the month of issue of such money orders ; but such 

—payable only monev orders shall be sent to the Post-Office Department and 
by warrant. 



119 

shall be paid by a warrant of the Postmaster-General counter- 
signed by the Auditor for the Post-Office Department out of any 
money in the Treasury to the credit of the Post-Office Depart- 
ment, to the extent of the moneys paid in on this account, the 
payments so made to be charged to an appropriation account — appropria- 
hereby created to be denominated " Unpaid money orders more iJiSch payable, 
than one year old." 
Approved January 27, 1894. 

It shall be the duty of the postmasters to attach to their ac- Advices o f 
counts rendered to the Auditor for the Post-Office Department the tcPloe attached 
letters of advice, or if lost evidence of that fact, recalled from to 1 g9 C 4 0U1 j t a ' n 
the post-office to which originally sent for all repayments of do- 27, cb. 21, § 6, 
mestic money orders provided for in this section and in section 
four thousand and thirty-eight* of the Revised Statutes of the 
United States. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

The Postmaster-General shall supply such money-order offices, Form of ap- 
as he may deem expedient, with blank forms of application for P i 8 9 4 ,' Jan. 
money orders, in such form as he may direct. | 7 Supp 21 168 7' 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

It shall be the duty of postmasters at post-offices authorized ac 2£unts.~ 0I ^ 
to issue money orders to render to the Auditor for the Post-Office 189 4 > Jan. 27, 
Department monthly, semimonthly, weekly, semiweekly, or daily Supp.,168. 
accounts of all money orders issued and paid, of all fees re- 
ceived for issuing them, of all transfers and payments made 
from money-order funds, and of all money received to be used 
for the payment of money orders or on account of money-order 
business. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

The Postmaster-General shall furnish money-order offices with Money -order 

printed or engraved forms for domestic money orders, * * * 1894, Jan. 

and no money order shall be valid unless drawn upon such form, f 7 Supp 168 

Approved January 27, 1894. No order 

valid unless on 
regular form. 

Whenever a money order has been lost within one year from Lost valid 
the last day of the month of issue the Postmaster-General, upon m °i894? 1 J a n . 
the application of the remitter or payee of such order, may cause | 7 Supp 21 il9 lf 
a duplicate thereof to be issued, without charge, providing the — payment of 
person losing the original shall furnish a certificate from the y up 1C 
postmaster by whom it was payable that it has not been, and will 
not thereafter be, paid ; and a similar certificate from the post- Certificate of 
master by whom it was issued that it has not been, and will not plying 11 ^post- 
thereafter be, repaid. masters. 

Approved January 27, 1894. 

* * * Whenever a money order, which has not been paid Lost invalid 
within one year from the last day of the month of issue, has been m °i894,° J a n*. 
lost, the Postmaster-General, upon the application of the remitter f 7 Supp 21 'l69 *' 
or payee of such order, shall issue a warrant for the payment 



120 

—warrant for thereof, as provided for in section four of this act, without charge, 
sued 1 on ap'pli- on the certificate of the Auditor for the Post-Ofiice Department, 
— pTo of of 01 * ll P° n such other proof satisfactory to the Postmaster-General, 
nonpayment that the order has not been paid. 
Approved January 27, 1894. 

Proposals The advertisement for * * * proposals (for fuel, ice, sta- 

foi" o p r t 9 i n 

supplies to be tionery, and other miscellaneous supplies, to be purchased at 

called for at Washington for the use of the Executive Departments and other 

same time by 

all Depart- Government establishments) shall be made by all the Executive 

m i n 89 4 Jan. Departments, including the Department of Labor, the United 
27, ch. 22 2 states Pish Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, 
1894, Apr. 2l' the Smithsonian Institution, the Government Printing Office, the 
180 61 ' 2 SUPP " g° vernmen t of the District of Columbia, and the superintendent 
of the State, War, and Navy building, except for paper and mate- 
rials for use of the Government Printing Office, and materials used 
in the work of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which shall 
continue to be advertised for and purchased as now provided by 
law, on the same days and shall each designate tw o'clock post 
meridian of such days for the opening of all such proposals in 
each Department and other Government establishment in the city 

— Secretary of of Washington ; and the Secretary of the Treasury shall designate 

Treasury to ,, , , . , „ ,. . 

designate time the day or days in each year for the opening of such proposals 

of opening. and give ^ ue no ti ce thereof to the other Departments and Govern- 
ment establishments; Such proposals shall be opened in the usual 
way and schedules thereof duly prepared and, together with the 
statement of the proposed action of each Department and Govern- 

— board to ment establishment thereon, shall be submitted to a board, con- 

considpi* 

sisting of one of the Assistant Secretaries of the Treasury and 
Interior Departments and one of the Assistant -Postmasters-Gen- 
eral, who shall be designated by the heads of said Departments 
and the Postmaster-General, respectively, at a meeting to be called 
by the official of the Treasury Department, who shall be chairman 
thereof, and said board shall carefully examine and compare all 
the proposals so submitted and recommend the acceptance or re- 
jection of any or all of said proposals. And if any or all of such 
proposals shall be rejected, advertisements for proposals shall 
again be invited and proceeded with in the same manner. 
Approved January 27, 1894. 

Delivery of * * * In making contracts for postal cards, stamped en- 
contractors. y velopes, stamped paper, and all other supplies, the Postmaster- 
-. o 1 8 i? 4 -5 oi ul ? General is authorized to require the contractor, under such regu- 

lD, cn. 167, § 

2, 2 Supp., 196. lations as he may prescribe, to make delivery at such points in the 
United States as he may direct, whenever, in his opinion, any such 
contract can be made at a saving to the Government. 
Approved July 16, 1894. 

Publications All periodical publications issue*d from a known place of pub- 
nevolent or f ra- lication at stated intervals and as frequently as four times a year, 
instrtuUons tie of by or under the auspices of a benevolent or fraternal society or 
learning, etc. order organized under the lodge system and having a bona fide 
16, cb.' 137, 2 membership of not less than one thousand persons or by a regu- 
Supp., 196. larly incorporated institution of learning, or by or under the 



121 

auspices of a trades union, and all publications of strictly pro- 
fessional, literary, historical, or scientific societies, including the 

bulletins issued by State boards of health, shall be admitted to Bulletins of 
.i-i -, i i xi * ^i i ii State boards of 

the mails as second-class matter and the postage thereon shall health. 

be the same as on other second-class matter and no more : Pro- ^^cond^class 

tided further, That such matter shall be originated and published matter. 

to further the objects and purposes of such society, order, trades 

union, or institution of learning and shall be formed of printed 

paper sheets without board, cloth, leather or other substantial 

binding such as distinguish printed books for preservation from 

periodical publications. 

Approved July 16, 1894. 

The Secretary of the Treasury and the Postmaster-General shall Destruction 
cause to be destroyed in such manner as they may deem best all statements^and 
money-order statements rendered by postmasters and all paid ^ig^ 1 d< j ^ i 
Money Orders and paid Postal Notes accompanying the same, now 16, ch.' 137, § 
filed in the office of the Auditor for the Post-Office Department, 4 ' 2 Supp " 196, 
or which may hereafter be filed therein, after ten years shall (1897, Mar. 
have elapsed from the expiration of the period covered by such g' up p.' 599.) 
statements. 

(Note. — Act of Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 385, changes "ten" years to 
" seven " years.) 

Approved July 16, 1894. 

The Postmaster-General, upon evidence satisfactory to him, and Money r - 

under such special regulations as he shall prescribe, may cause — m0 re than 

payment to be made in the manner prescribed in sections four and se ^94 ea j S u °l d y 

eleven of the act approved January 27, 1894, of the amount of any 16, ch. 137, § 

. -, -. ' , - „ " 4, 2 Supp., 196. 

money order remaining unpaid after the lapse of seven years from see 18 9 7 

the date of issue. 1^ 2 3 Supp.; 

Approved July 16, 1894. 599. 

No person who holds ah office the salary or annual compensa- Holding two 
tion attached to which amounts to the sum of two thousand five den. 
hundred dollars shall be appointed to or hold any other office to 1894, July 
which compensation is attached unless specially heretofore or here- 2, 2 Supp., 212. 
after authorized thereto by law. —exceptions. 

Approved July 31, 1894. 

The Auditors of the Treasury shall hereafter be designated as Auditor for 

follows : * * * the Sixth Auditor as Auditor for the Post- ^ShFof}' 

Office Department. oi 18 ? 4 ',,? 1 ? 

x 31, ch. 174, § 

Approved July 31, 1894. 3, 2 Supp., 212. 

* * * The Auditor for the Post-Office Department shall re- Auditing o f 
ceive and examine all accounts of salaries and incidental expenses peparfment 
of the office of the Postmaster-General and of all bureaus and and postal ac- 
offices under his direction, all postal and money-order accounts of 1894, July 
postmasters, all accounts relating to the transportation of the y 1 ^ supp 7 214 
mails, and to all other business within the jurisdiction of the Post- _See R. S., § 
Office Department, and certify the balances arising thereon to the "'certification 
Postmaster-General for accounts of the postal revenues and ex- ° f balances, 
penditures therefrom, and to the Division of Bookkeeping and 



122 

Warrants for other accounts, and send forthwith copies of the 
certificates in the latter cases to the Postmaster-General. * * * 
Approved July 31, 1894. 

Balances cer- The balances which may from time to time be certified by the 
tor. Auditors to the Division of Bookkeeping and Warrants, or to the 

31 1 cn 4 'l74 Ul § Postmaster-General, upon the settlements of public accounts, shall 
8, 2 Supp., 215. be final and conclusive upon the executive branch of the Govern- 
ment, except that any person whose accounts may have been set- 
tled, the head of the executive department, * * * or the 
— subject to Comptroller of the Treasury, may, within a year, obtain a revision 
Comptroller. J °t the said account by the Comptroller of the Treasury, whose 
decision upon such revision shall be final and conclusive upon the 
Secretary of executive branch of the Government : Provided, That the Secre- 
direct reexami- tary of the Treasury may, when in his judgment the interests of 
counts ° f a °~ tlie G° vei * nmen t. require it, suspend payment and direct the re- 
examination of any account. 
Approved July 31, 1894. 

Where pay- Any person accepting payment under a settlement by an Auditor 
tx\ p n t i ^s 9. c* 

cepted, revi- shall be thereby precluded from obtaining a revision of such set- 

b i0 h d Can n0t tlement as to an y items upon which payment is accepted ; but 

1894, July nothing in this act shall prevent an Auditor from suspending 

8, 2 Supp., 215. items in an account in order to obtain further evidence or ex- 

Separate pianations necessary to their settlement. When suspended items 
items may be 
suspended. are finally settled a revision inay be had as in the case of the 

original settlement. . Action upon any account or business shall 

Secretary of no t be delaved awaiting applications for revision : Provided, That 
Treasury to fix 

time before the Secretary of the Treasury shall make regulations fixing the 
warrant issues. t - me w jji c jj s h a n expire before a warrant is issued in payment of 
an account certified as provided in sections seven and eight of 
this Act. 

Approved July 31, 1894. 

Execution of Fourth-class postmasters of the United States are hereby re- 
el.^! 10 ? e V f°or e quired, empowered and authorized to administer any and all oaths 

fourth-class required to be made by pensioners and their witnesses in the 
postmasters. - 

18 9 4, Aug. execution of their vouchers with like effect and force as officers 

Su'pp.^'2^4 19, 2 ha™g a seal, an( 3- such postmaster shall affix the stamp of his of- 
fice to his signature to such vouchers, and he is authorized to 
charge and receive for each voucher not exceeding twenty-five 
cents, to be paid by the pensioner. 
Approved August 23, 1894. 

Congression- The Vice-President, Senators, Representatives, and Delegates 
al i d 895? ei Jan. in Congress, the Secretary of the Senate, and Clerk of the House 
12, ch. 23, § of Representatives may send and receive through the mail (free) 
362. ' ' all public documents printed by order of Congress ; and the name 

an m received e by of the Vice-President, Senator, Representative, Delegate, Secretary 

mail free, by f the Senate, and Clerk of the House shall be written thereon, 

whom, and 

when. with the proper designation of the office he holds ; and the pro- 

visions of this section shall apply to each of the persons named 
therein until the first day of December following the expiration 
of their respective terms of office. 
Approved January 12. 1895. 



123 

No printing shall be done for the Executive Departments in Printing, 
any fiscal year in excess of the amount of the appropriation, and excess of G ai> 
none shall be done without a special requisition, signed by the pi i P 895 tion j an 
chief of the Department and filed with the Public Printer. 12, ch. ' 23, § 

The following reports required by law to be made to Congress 362." upp> ' 
shall not be printed unless the printing be recommended by the m ^i ep e ° n > t \ e 2l 
head of the Department making the same, and ordered by con- not to be 
current resolution of Congress, namely : Report of contracts for pr id.^ § 73, 2 
convening the mails, Report of fines and deductions in the Post- o U c. p, '« 3 o-A-7 See 

lv. &., s oiyi, 

Office Department. * * * 
Approved January 12, 1895. 

No head of any Executive Department, or of any bureau, branch, . Public print- 

ins 
or office of the Government, shall cause to be printed, nor shall —only as au- 

the Public Printer print, any document or matter except that tborized by 

which is authorized by law and necessary to the public business; 1895, Jan. 

and executive officers, before transmitting their annual reports, 94' 2 Sup'p., 

shall carefully examine the same and all accompanying docu- 364 ^ „ „ „ , . 

OX R JJ. n U R 1 

ments, and exclude therefrom all matter, including engravings, reports, 
maps, drawings, and illustrations, except such as they shall certify 
in their letters transmitting such reports are necessary and relate 
entirely to the transaction of the public business. 
Approved January 12, 1895. 

The Postmaster-General shall contract for all envelopes, stamped Contracts for 

or otherwise, designed for sale to the public, or for use by his own In^De^p a r ? - 

or other Departments, and may contract for them to be plain or J^d? by^Post; 6 

with such printed matter as may be prescribed by the Department master - Gen- 

eral 
making requisition therefor : Provided, That no envelope furnished Act 18 9 5, 

by the Government shall contain any business address or adver- § & qq ^'sSpp 3 ' 

tisement. 364. ' 

Approved January 12, 1895. 

All clerks (employed in the Railway Mail Service and per- Residence of 
forming duty in railway post-offices) * * * shall reside at 1895. Feb. 
some point on the route to which they are assigned ; but railway |^ c ^- 1 I ^ 'g 2 
postal clerks * * * appointed prior to February twenty- 392. 
eighth, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, and now performing ^oute° 
such duty shall not be required to change their residence. exception. 

Approved February 28, 1895. 

The Postmaster-General may, in his discretion, cause the con- Post- route 
tract for printing post-route maps to be let for a term of four Sact forprint- 

year9 ' mg 1895. Mar. 2, 

Approved March 2, 1895. ch. 17 7, 2 

Supp., 417. 

Every officer required by law to take and approve official bonds Official 
shall cause the same to be examined at least once every two years 1895. Mar. 2, 
for the purpose of ascertaining the sufficiency of the sureties s^i^ig 5 ' 2 
thereon ; and every officer having power to fix the amount of an —to be exam- 
official bond shall examine it to ascertain the sufficiency of the years. J 
amount thereof and approve or fix said amount at least once in two 
years and as much oftener as he may deem it necessary. 



124 

— t o be re- Every officer whose duty it is to take and approve official bonds 

newed every 

four years. shall cause all such bonds to be renewed every four years after 

their dates, but he may require such bonds to be renewed or 
strengthened oftener if he deem such action necessary. In the 
discretion of such officer the requirement of a new bond may be 
waived for the period of service of a bonded officer after the expi- 
ration of a four-year term of service pending the appointment and 
qualification of his successor : Provided, that the nonperformance 
of any requirement of this section on the part of any official of 
the Government shall not be held to affect in any respect the lia- 
bility of principal or sureties on any bond made or to be made to 
— liability on, the United States : .Pro vided further, that the liability of the 
of service. ' principal and sureties on all official bonds shall continue and cover 
the period of service ensuing until the appointment and qualifica- 
Postmasters' tion of the successor of the principal : And provided further, that 
fected. nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal or modify sec- 

tion thirty-eight hundred and thirty-six of the Revised Statutes of 
the United States. 

Approved March 2, 1895. 

Importation Any person who shall cause to be brought within the United 
tion by CU inter- States from abroad, for the purpose of disposing of the same, or 

™« a Ji e Jl, 01 ^* deposited in or carried by the mails of the United States, or car- 

merce, etc., of L ^ 

lottery matter, ried from one State to another in the United States, any paper, 

1895, Mar. 2, , . . , . , , , . , 7, . , , 

cb. 191, § 1, 2 certificate, or instrument purporting to be or represent a ticket, 

Supp., 435. ' chance, share, or interest in or dependent upon the event of a 

lottery,' so-called gift concert, or similar enterprise, offering prizes 

dependent upon lot or chance, or shall cause any advertisement of 

such lottery, so-called gift concert, or similar enterprise, offering 

prizes dependent upon lot or chance, to be brought into the United 

States, or deposited in or carried by the mails of the United States, 

or transferred from one State to another in the same, shall be pun- 

pena y. ishable in the first offense by imprisonment for not more than two 

years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both, 

and in the second and after offenses by such imprisonment only. 

Approved March 2, 1895. 

Mail for lot- The powers conferred upon the Postmaster-General by the stat- 
lent ' schemes, llie of eighteen hundred and ninety, chapter nine hundred and 
6t 1895 Mar 2 e5 §' nt ' section two, are hereby extended and made applicable to all 
cb. 191, § 4, 2 letters or other matter sent by mail. 
Supp., 436. Approved March 2, 1895. 

Display of The Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Post- 

nais on S ca?s master-General, may arrange a plan by which there shall be dis- 

+*??„ vehicles played on all cars and other conveyances used for transporting 

ri ans porting 

the mail. United States mail suitable flags or other signals to indicate 

25, ch.' 140% *2 weather forecasts, cold-wave warnings, frost warnings, and so 

Supp., 459. ' forth, to be furnished by the Chief of the Weather Bureau. 

Approved April 25, 1896. 

■ — P o s t a l The Postmaster-General may, in his discretion, cause the con- 
1896 May tract for furnishing the official Postal Guide to be let for a term 
§5- *K ?? 2 > 2 of four years. 



Supp., 477. 



Approved May 28, 1896. 



125 

Each head of a Department may, from time to time, alter the Assignment 
distribution among the various bureaus and offices of his Depart- 1896, May 
ment. of the clerks and other employees allowed by law, except | 8, 2 g^- 2 5 %j 
such clerks or employees as may be required by law to be exclu- ' Details.' 
sively engaged upon some specific work, as he may find it neces- 
sary and proper to do, but all details hereunder shall be made by 
written order of the head of the Department, and in no case be 
for a period of time exceeding one hundred and twenty days : 
Provided, That details so made may, on expiration, be renewed — renewal of. 
from time to time by written order of the head of the Department, 
in each particular case, for periods of not exceeding one hundred 
and twenty days. All details heretofore made are hereby revoked, 
but may be renewed as provided herein. 

Approved May 28, 1896. 

Mailable matter of the fourth class shall embrace all matter Fourth - class 
not embraced in the first, second, or third class which is not in its 1896, June 
form or nature liable to destroy, deface, or otherwise damage the |» u ch. 370, 2 
contents of the mail bag or harm the person of any one engaged See' R. s., § 

in the postal service, and is not above the weight provided by defined. 

law. * * * 

Approved June 8, 1896. 

* * * (The limit of weight of mail matter) is hereby de- Limit of 
clared to be not exceeding four pounds for each package thereof, matter. ° mai 
except in case of single books weighing in excess of that amount, g 1896 > J u n | 
and except for books and documents published or circulated by Supp.,' 507. ' 
order of Congress, or printed or written official matter emanating exce P 10ns - 
from any of the Departments of the Government or from the 
Smithsonian Institution, or which is not declared nonmailable 
under the provisions of section thirty-eight hundred and ninety- 
three of the Revised Statutes as amended by the act of July 
twelfth, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, or matter appertaining 
to lotteries, gift concerts, or fraudulent schemes or devices. 

Approved June 8, 1896. 

No post-office established at any county seat shall be abol- Post-offices 
ished or discontinued by reason of any consolidation of post-offices _ifat n c ooin t y 

made by the Postmaster-General under existing law * * * : feats forbidden 

° for purposes of 

Provided, however, That this provision shall not apply to the city consolidation. 

of Cambridge, Massachusetts, or to Towson, Maryland. 9, C h. '386; n f 

Approved June 9, 1896. Su PP- 509 - ' 

All railway companies carrying mail may furnish free trans- Free trans- 
portation on the line of their respective roads to railway mail railway 0n postal 
rlPT'ks clerks. 

° eiKS - 1896, June 

Approved June 9, 1896. 9, ch. 386, 2 

Supp., 510. 

No station, substation, or branch post-office shall be established Post - office 
beyond the corporate limits or boundaries of any city or town in —] imitations 
which the principal office to which such station, substation, or JJP ^ establish- 
branch office is attached is located, except in cases of villages, 1896, June 
towns, or cities of fifteen hundred or more inhabitants not distant s'upp.,' 510. ' 



126 

more than five miles, as near as may be, from the outer boundary 
or limits of such city or town in wbich the principal office is 
located. * * * 

Approved June 9, 1896. 

Estimates. The Postmaster-General shall * * * submit in the annual 

for \lEoh6y~ 

Order Service, estimates to Congress estimates in detail for all expenses of the 

t0 ^96 n jliiie m oney-order branch of the postal service. 
9, ch. ' 386, 2 Approved June 9, 1896. 
Supp., 510. 

Claims for That the first proviso in section one of said act (act of May 9, 

Iossps 

Act June 11, 1888) be so amended as to read as follows : 
29 9 i't a^t if 4 ' Provided, That no claim exceeding the sum of ten thousand 
458. ^ dollars shall be paid or credited until after the facts shall have 

$10,000 to be been ascertained by the Postmaster-General and reported to Con- 
n^rPo-vJLi' e d to gress, together with his recommendation thereon, and an appro- 
priation made therefor. 
Approved June 11, 1896. 



Sending o b - It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit with any express 
scene matter ,, „ „ c^ x 

by common company or other common carrier for carriage from one State or 

c ^! ei a^ ° + ^ Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia to any 

another. other State or Territory of the United States or the District of 

1897 Feb 
8, ch. ' 172, 2 Columbia any obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, 

Supp., 547. paper, letter, writing, print, or other matter of indecent character, 
or any article or thing designed or intended for the prevention of 
conception or procuring of abortion, or any written or printed 
card, letter, circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of 
any kind giving information, directly or indirectly, where, how, 
or of whom, or by what means any of the hereinbefore mentioned 
articles, matters, or things may be obtained or made ; and any 
person who shall knowingly deposit, or cause to be deposited, with 
any express company or other common carrier for carriage from 
one State or Territory of the United States or the District of 
Columbia to any other State or Territory of the United States or 
the District of Columbia, or who shall take from such express 
company or other common carrier with intent to sell, distribute, or 
circulate any matter or thing herein forbidden to be deposited for 
carriage shall for each effense, upon conviction thereof, be fined 

—^penalty. not more than five thousand dollars or imprisonment at hard 

labor not more than five years, or both, at the discretion of the 
court. 

Approved February 8, 1897. 

Indemnity * * * As a part of such system (of registration) he (the 
first-class S reg- Postmaster-General) may provide rules under which the sender 

istered matter. or owners of first-class registered matter shall be indemnified for 

18 9 7, Feb. 
27, ch. 340, 2 losses thereof in the mails, the indemnity to be paid out of the 

—Postmaster- P° s tal revenues, but in no case to exceed ten dollars for any one 

General to pro- registered piece, or the actual value thereof when that is less than 

payment of. ten dollars, and for ' which no other compensation or reimburse- 

rXSEL of in ~ ment to the loser has been made : Provided, That the Post-Office 



demnity. 



Department or its revenues shall not be liable for the loss of any 
other mail matter on account of its having been registered. 
Approved February 27, 1897. 



127 

[Par. 1.] (1) That there shall not he allowed for the use of Allowances, 

,,.-,, -t. . „ j. , limitation on. 

any third-class post-office for rent a sum in excess of four nun- i s 9 7, Mar. 

dred dollars, nor more than sixty dollars for fuel and lights, in |» cn - 385, 2 

any one year. — for 'rent. 

For necessary miscellaneous and incidental items directly con- 
nected with the first and second class post-offices, including furni- 
ture, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars : 

Provided, That the Postmaster-General, in his discretion, under — expenditures 
such regulations as he shall prescribe, may authorize any of the y pos mas eis> 
postmasters of said offices to expend the fund he may allow them 
for such purposes without the written consent of the Postmaster- 
General. * * * 

[Par. 2.] (2) For inland transportation of mail by electric and 
cable cars on routes not exceeding twenty miles in length, two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars : 

Provided, That the rate of compensation to be paid per mile — comp e n s a - 
shall not exceed the amount now received by companies perform- \™J? ^ail^fim- 
ing such service. * * * ited. 

[Par. 3.] (3) All railway companies carrying mail may furnish — free trans- 
free transportation on the line of their respective roads to rail- pjstafclerks? T 
way mail clerks. * * * 

[Par. 4.] (4) That hereafter the Postmaster-General shall be — expenditures 
authorized to expend such sums as may be necessary, not exceeding gerVfcS* 11 maii 
fifty-five thousand dollars, to cover one-half of the cost of trans- 
portation, compensation, and expense of clerks to be employed in 
assorting and pouching mails in transit on steamships between the 
United States and other postal administrations in the International 
Postal Union ; and not exceeding forty thousand dollars for trans- 
ferring the foreign mail from incoming steamships in New York 
Bay to the several steamship and railway piers, and between the 
steamship piers in New York City and Jersey City and the post- 
office and railroad stations. * * * 

[Par. 5.] Section four hundred and thirteen of the (5) Revised 
Statutes is hereby amended so as to read as follows : 

" Sec. 413. The Postmaster-General shall make the following Reports t o 
annual reports to Congress : ongress. 

" First. A report of the finances of the Department for the pre- — f finances, 
ceding year, showing the amount of balance due the Department 
at the beginning of the year, the amount of postage which accrued 
within the year, the amount of engagements and liabilities and 
the amount actually paid during the year for carrying the mail, 
showing how much of the amount was for carrying the mail in 
preceding years. 

" Second. A report of the amount expended in the Department — of expendi- 
for the preceding fiscal year, including detailed statements of ex- 
penditures made from the contingent fund. 

"And the Postmaster-General shall cause all of such reports to — to be printed. 
be printed at the Public Printing Office, either together or sepa- 
rately, and in such numbers as may be required by the exigencies 
of the service or by law." 

Section four thousand and twenty of the (6) Revised Statutes 
is hereby amended so as to read as follows : 



128 

■ — assistant " Sec. 4020. The Postmaster-General may appoint two agents to. 

ents, rm railway superintend the railway postal service, 'each of whom shall be 

mail service. paid out f t j ne appropriation for the transportation of the mail 
a salary at the rate of two thousand five hundred dollars a year, 
with an allowance for traveling and incidental expenses while 
actively employed in the service, of not more than five dollars a 

— traveling ex- day ; and the Auditor for the Post-Office Department shall charge 
to the appropriation for mail transportation the salary and per 
diem of the assistant superintendents of the postal-railway service, 
and to the appropriation for the free-delivery system the salary 
and per diem of the special agent detailed for that service." 

Section four thousand and forty-eight of the (7) Revised 
Statutes is hereby repealed. 

— estimates of The Postmaster-General shall, for the fiscal year eighteen hun- 

P Y tl P Tl ^!P^i OT 

free - delivery dred and ninety-nine, and annually thereafter, submit in the an- 

service. nual es ti ma tes to Congress estimates in detail as far as practicable 

for expenses of the free-delivery service. 

Destruction Section four of the act approved July sixteenth, eighteen hun- 
of money or- 
der statements dred and ninety-four (8), making appropriations for the service 

3 n e d rs Pa a d ft O e r r 0f the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ending June 

seven years. thirtieth, eighteen hundred and nintey-five, is hereby amended by 

July 6 G 16, ch! inserting the word " seven " in place of the word " ten " wherever 

137, § 4. jt occurs in the section. * * * 

Approved March 3, 1897. 

Officers aid- Whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the Government 
tation 1 or nP cir- of the United States, shall knowingly aid or abet any person 

culation of ob- engaged in any violation of any of the provisions of law prohib- 
scene matter. ° ° J * * * 

1897, July iting importing, advertising, dealing in, exhibiting, or sending or 

17,' °2 ' Supp , receiving by mail obscene or indecent publications or representa- 

7 °1' §§ 16 tions ' or means f° r preventing conception or procuring abortion, or 

and 18 of this other articles of indecent or immoral use or tendency, shall be 

deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall for every offense be 
— penalty. punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by 

imprisonment at hard labor for not more than ten years, or both. 
Approved July 24, 1897. 



Leaves of ab- The head of any Department may grant thirty days' annual 
1898, Mar. leave with pay in any one year to each clerk or employee : * * * 
2 5 'supp 68 737 7 ' (and) where some member of the immediate family of a clerk or 
employee is afflicted with a contagious disease and requires the 
care and attendance of such employee, or where his or her pres- 
ence in the Department would jeopardize the health of fellow- 

— additional c j e rks, and in exceptional and meritorious cases, where a clerk or 

on account of 

sickness. employee is personally ill, and where to limit the annual leave to 

thirty days in any one calendar year would work peculiar hard- 
ship, it may be extended, in the discretion of the head of the 
Department, with pay, not exceeding thirty days in any one case 

— absence in or j n any one calendar year. This section shall not be construed 

excess of, with- J J 

out pay. to mean that so long as a clerk or employee is borne upon the rolls 

of the Department in excess of the time herein provided for or 

granted that he or she shall be entitled to pay during the period 

of such excessive absence, but that the pay shall stop upon the 

expiration of the granted leave. 

Approved March 15, 1898. 



129 

It shall be the duty of the heads of the several Executive Ho u r s o,f 
Departments, in the interest of the public service, to require of pigment* 1 e " 
all clerks and other employees, of whatever grade or class, in j* 18 ^'^ V7' 
their respective Departments, not less than seven hours of labor 2 Supp., 736. 
each day, except Sundays and days declared public holidays by 
law or Executive order : Provided, That the heads of the Depart- 
ments may, by special order, stating the reason, further extend — extension of. 
the hours of any clerk or employee in their Departments, respec- 
tively ; but in case of an extension it shall be without additional 
compensation : * * * 

2. It shall be the duty of the head of each Executive Department Reports of 
to require monthly reports to be made to him as to the condition bus^neVs! ° n ° f 
of the public business in the several bureaus or offices of his Id - 
Department at Washington ; and in each case where such reports 
disclose that the public business is in arrears, the head of the 
Department in which such arrears exist shall require, as provided 
herein, an extension of the hours of service to such clerks or 
employees as may be necessary to bring up such arrears of public 
business. 

Approved March 15, 1898. 

It shall be the duty of the head of each Executive Department, Report to 
or other Government establishment at the seat of government, _of condition 
not under an Executive Department, to make at the expiration of business to 
of each quarter of the fiscal year a written report to the President terly. 
as to the condition of the public business in his Executive Depart- ^ ^ n 9 |j, ^ a i*- 
ment or Government establishment, and whether any branch 2 Supp., 737. 
thereof is in arrears. 

Approved March 15, 1898. 

It shall not be lawful to detail clerks or other employees paid Detail of 

f 1 f l' k s p1~o 

from general appropriations for the postal service, from any f r0 m postal to 
branch of said postal service, whether located at the seat of gov- gery^^SSbid- 
ernment or elsewhere, to any of the offices or bureaus of the Post- den. 
Office Department at Washington. 15> C h. '68, ai § 

Approved March 15, 1898. 9, '2 Supp., 

1 00. 

It shall be lawful to transmit by mail, at the postage rate of a Private 

cent apiece, payable by stamps to be affixed by the sender, and ™ j.^ 1 ("jJost 

under such regulations as the Postmaster-General may prescribe, cards ") a u - 

tbonzed. 
written messages on private mailing cards, such cards to be sent 18 9 8, May 

openly in the mails, to be no larger than the size fixed by the Con- supp^H 7 ' 2 

vention of the Universal Postal Union, and to be approximately 

of the same form, quality, and weight as the stamped postal card 

now in general use in the United States. 

Approved May 19, 1898. 

* * * Postage on second-class matter mailed shall be col- Collection of 

postage on 
lected and accounted for under such regulations as the Postmaster- matter of sec- 
General may prescribe. on f 8 cl | s 8 s ; June 

Approved June 13, 1898. 13, ch 446, 2 

Supp., 778. 

See R. S., §§ 
3884, 3906. 
6300—07 9 



130 

Record of The Postmaster-General shall have recorded, in a book to be 
pioposa^s. ^^ fcept for that purpose, a true and faithful abstract of all proposals 
J 3 > ch - 446 ' § made to him for carrying the mail, giving the name of the party 

778. ' ' offering, the terms of the offer, the sum to be paid, and the time 

the contract is to continue ; and he shall put on file and preserve 

the originals of all such proposals until the end of the contract 

Proposals term to which they relate, after which the proposals that were 

tobe destroyed. n °t accepted may be destroyed or disposed of as waste paper. 
* * * 

Approved June 13, 1898. 

Official cor- The Vice-President, Members and Members-elect of and Dele- 

M^nfbTr s of gates and Delegates-elect to Congress shall have the privilege of 

Co ?l r o s f' T sending free through the mails, and under their frank, any mail 

l o y o, J une 
13, ch. 446, 2 matter to any Government official or to any person, correspond- 

pp., ' ' " ence, not exceeding two ounces in weight, upon official or depart- 
mental business. 

Approved June 13, 1898. 

Padding the Any person or persons who shall place or cause to be placed any 
ma i898 June m &tter in the mails during the regular weighing period, "for the 
13, ch v 446, 2 purpose of increasing the weight of the mails with intent to cause 

Increasing an increase in the compensation of the railroad mail carrier over 

intent h to cause whose route such mail matter may pass, shall be deemed guilty of 

increase in a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction thereof, be fined not less 

compensation. 

— penalty. than five hundred dollars nor more than twenty thousand dollars, 

and shall be imprisoned at hard labor not less than thirty days 

nor more than five years. 

Approved June 13, 1898. 

Destruction * * * The reports of the arrivals and departures of the mails 
of certain reg- ">{ 

isters of ar- on mail routes made and sent by postmasters to the Second As- 

pa r*t u r d e s of distant Postmaster-General, on which no fines or deductions from 

mai Jjs. the pay of contractors for carrying the mails have been based, and 

13, ch.' 446, § the certificates of oaths taken by carriers on mail routes, may be 

779. u p p • ' disposed of as waste paper after the expiration of one year from 

the end of the contract term to which they relate. 
Approved June 13, 1898. 

Bonds of Assistant postmasters and cashiers at first, second, and third 

offices m P ° St class post-offices, and when deemed necessary by the Postmaster- 

1898. J u n e General for the better protection of the interests of the Govern- 
13, ch. 446, § 
3, 2 s u p p . , ment any other employees in such offices, shall, before entering 

— w hen re- upon the duties of their office give bond to the United States with 

quired. good and approved security, and in such penalty as the Postmaster- 

— what to General shall prescribe, conditioned for the faithful discharge of 

all duties and trusts imposed upon them either by law or the rules 

and regulations of the Post-Office Department. 
Approved June 13, 1898. 

Prepayment Second, third, and fourth class mail matter shall not be returned 
returned ^2 d° to sender or remailed until the postage has been fully prepaid on 
class matter* 1 " 11 llie same : Provided, That in all cases where undelivered matter 



131 

of these classes is of obvious value, the sender, if known, shall be 1898, June 
notified of the fact of nondelivery, and be given the opportunity 4/2° Supp. 
of prepaying the return postage. —sender to be 

Approved June 13, 1898. notified, when. 

Nothing contained in (act of Mar. 15, 1898, ch. 68. §7) shall be Leave of ab- 

construed to prevent the head of any Executive Department from siC k, not t 

granting thirty days' annual leave with pay in any one year to a aff Jg9 8 re f ^1 y 
clerk or employee, notwithstanding such clerk or employee may 7. ch. ' 571, 2 
have had during such year not exceeding thirty days' leave with upp- ' 
pay on account of sickness as provided in said section. * * * 

Approved July 7, 1898. 

The assistant superintendents of free delivery shall hereafter Assistant su- 
perintend e n t s 
be allowed a per diem of four dollars in lieu of all expenses when of free deliv- 

traveling on business of the Department. 61 1899 Feb. 

Note. — The expenses of the assistant superintendents of free supp.f'946. ' ~ 
delivery are paid out of the appropriation for incidental expenses, — expenses of. 
free delivery service, included in the act making appropriations 
for the postal service. 

Approved February 24, 1899. 

The thirty days' annual leave of absence with pay in anv one Leave of ab- 

, „ " - * sence. annual, 

year to clerks and employees in the several Executive Depart- — exclusive of 

ments authorized by existing law shall be exclusive of Sundays foHdavs and 

and legal holidays. 1899, Feb. 

» a -n i o, Venn 24 > ch - 187 ' § 

Approved February 24, 1899. . 4, 2 Supp., 946. 

The establishment of a civil pension roll or an honorable service Civil pension 
roll, or the exemption of any of the officers, clerks, and persons 1899, Feb.' 
in the public service from the existing laws respecting employ- |^' 2 su P p 18 946 § 
ment in such service, is hereby prohibited. 

Approved February 24, 1899. 

The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized, in his discretion. Special 

„ . ,. . .,. transfer serv- 

to pay from appropriations for transportation by railroad routes ice at St. Louis 

for the special transfer and terminal service between the Union stLoufs^nf) 1 ' 

Station at East Saint Louis, Illinois, and the Union Station at i 899 * M a r. 

Saint Louis, Missouri, including the use, lighting, and heating 2' Supp., 958.°* 

of mail building and the transfer service at Saint Louis, at the 

rate of not exceeding fifty thousand dollars per annum. —com pens a- 

Approved March 1, 1899. 10n ° r ' 

* * * Postmasters shall not issue any money order condi- Waiver of 

tioned that identification of payee, endorsee, or attorney may be f en payee * f 0?- 

waived, nor shall any postmaster pay any monev order * * * bi< ^en- , r 

. . ,f„ 1899, Mar. 

without requiring identification of the payee, endorsee, or attorney. 1, ch. 327, § 5, 

Approved March 1, 1899. 2 Supp -' 959, 

Money orders may be drawn by the Superintendent of the Orders may 
Money Order System without the exaction of an additional fee corrertTrrofs 

for the purpose of correcting errors made by issuing or paving without addi- 
tional fee. 
postmasters. 1899, Mar. 

Approved March 1, 1899. 2'Sflpp 8 ?959 5 ' 



132 

Letters in All letters written in point print or raised characters used by 
or P01 characters the blind, when unsealed, shall be transmitted through the mails 

used by the as third-class matter. * * * 
blind. 

1899, Mar. Approved March 2, 1899. 
2, ch. 362, 2 .-. . 

Supp., 965. 

— to be trans- ' 

mitted at third- 

Census mail All mail matter, of whatever class, relative to the census and 

m i899, Mar. 3, addressed to the Census Office, the Director of the Census, Assist- 

ch. 419, § 27, ail t Director, chief clerk, supervisors, enumerators, or special 

agents, and indorsed " Official business, Department of the Interior, 

— transmitted Census Office," shall be transmitted free of postage, * * * and 

so marked: Provided, That if any person shall make use of such 

Penalty for indorsement to avoid the payment of postage * * * on his or 

ment for °eva- uer Private letter, package, or other matter in the mail, the person 

sion of postage. so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a 

fine of three hundred dollars, to be prosecuted in any court of 

competent jurisdiction. 

Approved March 3, 1899. 

Census mat- All mail matter, of whatever class, relative to the census and 

1899, Mar. 3, addressed to the Census Office, the Director of the Census, Assist- 
2 h SuDD 9 ' 986 27 ' ant Direc tor, chief clerk, supervisors, enumerators, or special 

agents, and indorsed " Official business, Department of the Inte- 
rior, Census Office," shall be transmitted free * * * by regis- 
tered mail if necessary, and so marked: Provided,. That if any per- 
son shall make use of such indorsement to avoid the payment of 
postage or registry fee on his or her private letter, package, or 
other matter in the mail, the person so offending shall be guilty 
of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of three hundred dollars, 
to be prosecuted in any court of competent jurisdiction. 
Approved March 3, 1899. 

Periodicals All periodical publications issued from a known place of pub- 
S^rtments^of Hcation at stated intervals as frequently as four times a year by 

a sriculture. state departments of agriculture shall be admitted to the mails 

1900, June 

6, ch, 801, 31 as second-class mail matter : Provided, That such matter shall be 

—admission of published only for the purpose of furthering the objects of such 
as second-class departments : And provided further, That such publications shall 
— not to con- not contain any advertising matter of any kind. 
i?g n matte?* 1 *" Approved June 6, 1900. 

That section one hundred and eighty-three of the Revised Stat- 
utes of the United States be, and the same is hereby, amended to 
read as follows : 
Oath, when " Sec. 183. Any officer or clerk of any of the Departments, law- 
by officers, fully detailed to investigate frauds on, or attempts to defraud, the 
et i*90i m 2 Government, or any irregularity or misconduct of any officer or 
c h . 8 9, 31 agent of the United States, and any officer of the Army detailed to 
par. 3. ' ' conduct an investigation, and the recorder, and, if there be none, 
the presiding officer of any military board appointed for such 
purpose, shall have authority to administer an oath to any witness 
attending to testify or depose in the course of such investigation." 
Approved March 2, 1901. 



133 - 

The Superintendent of System of Postal Finance shall give bond Bond of su- 
in such amount as the Postmaster-General may determine for the 1901, Mar. 3, 
faithful discharge of his duties. |^ t i^'ioo 3 * 1 

Approved. March 3, 1901. 

The Postmaster- General may authorize the sale of post-route Sale of post- 
route maps, 
maps to the public at the cost of printing and ten per centum 1901, Mar. 3, 

thereof added, the proceeds of such sales to be used as a fur- |^ t l^'joo^. 

ther appropriation for the preparation and publication of post- — proceeds o f 
tl J L L l sales, how 

route maps, * * *. used. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

The appropriations * * * made for the officers, clerks, and , Incapacita- 

1 L L ted employees. 

persons employed in the public service shall not be available for 1901, Mar. 3, 

the compensation of any persons permanently incapacitated for §± gta ' t * L ' 

1009. 
— n o t to be 



performing such service. 



Note. — The above clause is taken from the current appropria- Po- 
tion act, and merely refers thereto. A similar clause was in- 
cluded in the act of April 17, 1900, ch. 192, 31 Stat. L.. 134. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

That hereafter it shall be the duty of the heads of the several Estima tes, 
Executive Departments, and of other _ officers authorized or re- De n n burnished 
quired to make estimates, to furnish to the Secretary of the TrSSurv ary ° f 
Treasury, on or before the fifteenth day of October of each year, 1901. Mar. 3, 
their annual estimates for the public service, to be included in gtat. L., 1009,. 
the Book of Estimates prepared by law under his direction, and § 5 - 
in case of failure to furnish estimates as herein required it shall 
be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be pre- 
pared in the Treasury Department, on or before the first day of 
November of each year, estimates for such appropriations as in 
his judgment shall be requisite in every such case, which estimates 
shall be included in the Book of Estimates prepared by law under 
his direction for the consideration of Congress. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

The act of March 3, 1901, making appropriations for the legis- Other officers 

„.„.., ; A v n . , of the Post- 

lative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government, and office Depart- 

the act of March 3, 1901, making appropriations for the service of me g e t Q R g §§ 

the Post-Office Department, provide for the following officers in the 393, 394, 400 ; 

Post-Office Department : chs 830, 851, 



In the Office of the Postmaster-General 



31 Stat. L. 
1003, 1103. 



Chief Clerk. Office of the 

"P o ^1 f" m f\ ^ 1" p y - 

Private secretary to the Postmaster-General. General. 

Appointment Clerk. 

Disbursing Clerk and Superintendent of Buildings. 

Topographer. 

In the Office of the Assistant Attorney-General for the Post- office of As- 

Office Department : ^f*% e ££<£ 

Assistant Attorney. for Post-Office 

In the Office of the First Assistant Postmaster-General : o /f i c e ' of 
Phipf Plpvk First Assistant 
L,nier ^iem. Postmaster- 
Superintendent of the Money-Order System. General. 



134 



Office of Sec- 
ond Assistant 
Postmaster - 
General. 



Office of 
Third Assist- 
ant Postmas- 
ter-General. 



Office of 
Fourth Assist- 
ant Postmas- 
ter-General. 



Auditor, Chi- 
cago. 



Chief clerk of the Money-Order System. 

General Superintendent of Free Delivery. 

Superintendent City Delivery Service. 

Three assistant superintendents City Delivery Service. 

Superintendent of the Dead-Letter Office. 

Chief clerk of the Dead-Letter Office. 

General Superintendent of Salaries and Allowances. 

Assistant Superintendent of Salaries and Allowances. 

Five Assistant Superintendents Salary and Allowance Divi- 
sion. 

Superintendent of Post-Office Supplies. 

Assistant Superintendent of Post-Office Supplies. 

Chief of Correspondence Division. 
In the Office of the Second Assistant Postmaster-General : 

Chief Clerk. 

Superintendent of Railway Adjustment. 

Chief of Contract Division. 

Chief of Division of Inspection. 

Chief of Mail Equipment Division. 

General Superintendent Railway Mail Service. 

Assistant General Superintendent Railway Mail Service. 

Chief clerk, Office of General Superintendent. 

Superintendent of Foreign Mails. 

Chief Clerk of Foreign Mails. 
In the Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster-General : 

Chief Clerk. 

Superintendent of System of Postal Finance. 

Superintendent of Postage Stamp Supplies and Postmasters' 
Accounts. 

Superintendent of the Registry System. 

Six Assistant Superintendents of the Registry System. 

Chief of Classification Division. 

Chief of Redemption Division. 

Chief of Files and Records Division. 
In the Office of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General : 

Chief Clerk. 

Chief Post-Office Inspector. 

Chief clerk of (Division of Post-Office Inspectors and) Mail 
Depredations. 

Chief of Appointment Division. 

Chief of Bond Division. 
Approved March 3, 1901. 

The act of March 3, 1901 (ch. 851, 31 Stat. L., 1102), provided 
an appropriation of three thousand dollars for an auditor at Chi- 
cago, 111. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 



Allowances The Postmaster-General, in his discretion, under such regula- 

ous rtems may tions as he shall prescribe, may authorize any of the postmasters 

^expended of said (first and second class) offices to expend the funds he may 

without s p e - ' 

cine authority, allow them for such purposes (miscellaneous and incidental items, 

W llSoi, Mar. 3 including furniture and cleaning) without the written consent of 

Stat L^ilO.f 1 ' the Postmaster - General - 

Approved March 3, 1901. 



135 

The assistant superintendents salary and allowance division will Assistant suj 
be allowed a per diem, to be fixed by the Postmaster-General, but salary and a\- 
not exceeding four dollars per day when actually traveling on l »wance divi- 
business of the Post-Office Department. ■ — expenses of. 

Note. — This section is substantially in the form in which the Note, 
appropriation for this purpose was made in the act of March 3. 
19.01, eh. 851 (SI Stat. L., 1103), making appropriations for the 
postal service. The authority to allow a per diem to assistant 
superintendents salary and allowance division is not permanent, 
but dependent on subsequent appropriations. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

The assistant superintendents of the registry system will be Assistant su- 

allowed a per diem, to be fixed by the Postmaster-General, but of registry sys S 

not exceeding four dollars per day, when actually traveling on tem - , 

° x . - • • — expenses of. 

business of the Post-Office Department. 

Note. — This section is substantially in the form in which the Note. 
appropriation for this purpose was made in the act of March 3. 
1901, ch. 830 (31 Stat. L., 1004), making appropriations for the 
legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government. 
The authority to allow a per diem to assistant superintendents of 
the Registry System is not permanent, but dependent on subse- 
quent appropriations. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

(The Postmaster-General may appoint a) General Superintend- General Su- 

ent (of Railway Mail Service), at (a salary of) three thousand RaVlway 11 Mail 

five hundred dollars (per annum) : one Assistant General Super- Se JgQj • Mar 3 

intendent, at (a salary of) three thousand dollars (per annum) ; c h. 85 1, 31 

one chief clerk, office of General Superintendent at (a salary of), k Assistant 

two thousand dollars (per annum) ; eleven division superintend- £ en aae nt super ~ 

ents. at (a salary of) two thousand seven hundred dollars (per Chief clerk 

•annum) each: (and) eleven assistant division superintendents at se¥vicef 

(a salary of) one thousand eight hundred dollars (per annum) Division su- 

v ■ ' ° \j. / p erm tendents. 

each: * * * Assistant 

i ^ at to 1AA1 division super- 

Approved March 3, 1901. intendents. 

(The Postmaster-General may appoint) ' twenty-two assistant Assistant su- 

superintendents (at a salary of), one thousand six hundred dollars pe i90i,\far. S 3, 

(per annum) each; (and) ninety-five chief clerks, at (a salary |b 1 * 5 ^q^ 1 

of) one thousand six hundred dollars (per annum) each; * * * Chief" clerks 
» t a r i o -i nn-, in charge of 

Approved March 3, 1901. lines . 

(Division superintendents and assistant division superintend- Expenses 
ents shall be paid their actual and necessary expenses) while ^nd assistant 
actually traveling on business of the Department and away from fnten^ents UPei 
their several designated headquarters. 1901, Mar. 3. 

* ^ A r i o -i ™-< c n • 8 5 1. 3 1 

Approved March 3, 1901. Stat. L., 1105. 

Assistant superintendents (of Railway Mail Service) may Expenses of 
receive a per diem allowance in lieu of actual and necessary trav- plrintendents. " 
eling expenses, at the rate of four dollars per day while actually i 190 ^ -¥ ar q*i' 
traveling on business of the Department away from their several Stat. L. : 1105. 
designated headquarters. 



136 

— chief clerks 2. (Chief clerks and railway postal clerks shall be paid their 
clerks. P ° L actual and necessary expenses) while actually traveling on busi- 
Id - ness of the Department and away from their several designated 

headquarters. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

Leaves of The Postmaster-General may allow railway postal clerks whose 
pay 6nCe W 1 duties require them to work six days or more per week, fifty- 

1 h°s^i M ^i' ^ w0 weeks P er y ear ' an annual vacation of fifteen days, with pay. 
Stat. 'l., 1105. Approved March 3, 1901. 

Sea postal Hereafter the Postmaster-General shall be authorized to expend 

19 1, Mar. such sums as may be necessary, not exceeding fifty-five thousand 

Statk'L^lioi 1 dollars, to cover one-half of the cost of transportation, compensa- 

— compensa- tion, and expense of clerks to be employed in assorting and pouch- 

f. " ing mails in transit on steamships between the United States and 

other postal administrations of the International Postal Union. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

Persons i n - The appropriations * * * for the officers, clerks, and per- 

not to be em- sons employed in the postal service shall not be available for the 

tal^e^-vice P ° S compensation of any persons permanently incapacitated for per- 

1901, Mar. 3, forming such service. The establishment of a civil pension roll or 

Stat. L., 1107. an honorable service roll, or the exemption of any of the officers, 

clerks, and persons in the postal service from the existing laws 

respecting employment in such service, is hereby prohibited. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

Per diem al- (Post-office inspectors in the field shall be allowed a per diem) 

spectors in the while actually traveling on business for the Department : Pro- 

fiel l90l Mar 3 v ^ e ^ That the Postmaster-General may, in his discretion, allow 

ch. 85 1, 31 post-office inspectors per diem while temporarily located at any 

■ — when 'made, place on duty away from home, or their designated domicile, for 

wlrii^t'e m - a P er i°d not exceeding twenty consecutive days at any one place, 

porarily locat- and may make rules and regulations governing the foregoing pro- 

edatone.. ,,. 

place. visions relating to per diem. 

— regulations 

as to. 

Note. Note. — Sec. 4017, R. S., provided that inspectors (then special 

Allowances agents) should be allowed "for traveling and incidental expenses, 
for expenses 01 S while actually employed in the service, a sum not exceeding five dol- 
lars a day." Under the act of June 17, 1878, ch. 259, 1 Supp. R. S., 
186, this amount was to be allowed to inspectors " when they are 
actually engaged in traveling on the business of the Department." 
The act of July 5, 1884, ch. 234, 1 Supp. R, S., 467, provided that in- 
spectors " shall be allowed four dollars per day in lieu of the 
charges now permitted for personal expenses." Subsequently the 
annual appropriation acts merely contained an appropriation for 
" mail depredations and post-office inspectors " until the act of 
June 13, 1898, ch. 446, 30 Stat. L., 444, which provided for " per 
diem allowance to inspectors in the field while actually traveling on 
business of the Department." This clause was repeated in the act 
of March 1, 1899, ch. 327, 30 Stat. L., 965, 2 Supp. R. S., 958, and 
the proviso as contained in the act of March 3, 1901, was added, 



137 

the entire clause as it now stands being repeated in the act of 
June 2, 1900, ch. 613, 31 Stat. L., 2C0. 
Approved March 3; 1901. 

(The Postmaster-General may appoint) fifteen (post-office) in- inspectors in 

spectors in charge of divisions at (a salary of) two thousand five spectors. 

hundred dollars per annum (each) without per diem; fifteen in- c ^ 90 g '^^'ii 

spectors at two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars per annum Stat. L., 1107. 

(each) without per diem, and fifteen inspectors at two thousand and compensa- 

dollars per annum (each) without per diem. tlon * 

Note. — The Chief Post-Office Inspector is an officer of the Post- Note. 

Chief Post- 
Office Department, and his appointment and compensation are office Inspect- 

provided for in the regular departmental organization. 01 *- 

The appointment of post-office inspectors in charge was first — inspectors in 
authorized by the act of June 17, 1878, ch. 259, 1 Supp. R. S., cnarge - 
186, which provided that such inspectors (called special agents at 
that time), "not exceeding ten in number, as are appointed by 
the Postmaster-General to duty at such important points as he 
may designate * * * shall each receive a salary of $2,500 
per annum and no more." The number of inspectors in charge 
was increased to twelve by the act of March 3, 1891, ch. 547, 1 
Supp. R. S., 932, and to fifteen by the act of June 2, 1900, ch. 613, 
31 Stat. L., 260. 

Post-office inspectors, at $2,000 per annum without per diem, —ins pec tors 
were first provided for in the appropriation act of March 1, 1899, diem?" P e 
ch. 327, 30 Stat. L., 965 ; and the appointment of inspectors at 
$2,250 per annum without per diem was first authorized by the 
act of June 2, 1900, supra. These inspectors are intended espe- 
cially for local service in the large cities. 

The continued appointment of inspectors in charge in excess of 
twelve, and of inspectors at $2,000 and $2,250 per annum, is sub- 
ject to subsequent appropriation acts, which see, as the authority 
for their appointment is not permanent. 

Approved March 3, 1901. 

When any publication has been accorded second-class mail privi- Cancellation 
leges, the same shall not be suspended or annulled until a hearing entry- 
shall have been granted to the parties interested. h" 90 ^ 5 1 1 &1 3 l' 

Approved March 3, 1901. , Stat. L., 1107. 

— hearing to he 
given before. 

All mail matter sent by post by Ida S. McKinley, widow of the Ida S. Mc- 
late William McKinley, under her written autograph signature, TocS, Jan. 
will be conveyed free of postage during her natural life. lt't C L 4 123 3 7 2 

Approved January 22, 1902. 

> On and after July first, nineteen hundred and two, the Post- Classification 
master-General * * * is * * * authorized to classify the ?ion. compensa " 
Rural Free-Delivery Service and fix the compensation to employ- l 90 ?'^? 1 ' 39 
ees in such Service. Stat. L., 1237. 

Approved April 21, 1902. 

Under such regulations as the Postmaster-General may pre- Substitute 
scribe, a substitute carrier may be employed at the expense of the pioyment^nd 
regular carrier, to temporarily perform service on any rural free- c °i^o9 n A at r°2i 
delivery mail route. ch, 5 6 3,32 

Approved April 21, 1902. Stat K ' 113 ' 



138 

Indem nity The Postmaste-General may increase the amount of indemnity 
for lost regis- . „ , , , . _* . . . .-,-,-. * -^ -. 

tered mail. (r° r last first-class registered mail) provided for in act of Febru- 

indSnnltv 6 ° f ary 2 ^' 189 ^- an act amendatory of section thirty-nine hundred 

1902, * Apr. and twenty-six of the Revised Statutes, to not exceeding one hun- 
21, chap. 563; , , , „ 

32 Stat. L., dred dollars. 

117 - Approved April 21, 1902. 

Rural postal The act of March 3, 1903, provides " for pay of letter carriers 
vision for. an d clerks in charge of substations of rural free-delivery service 

3 19 ch 3 ' 1009 : * * * Provided, That not exceeding * * * of the amount 
32 Stat. L.' hereby appropriated for rural free-delivery service may be used 

1171 

for compensation of clerks in charge of substations." A similar 

provision has been made each succeeding year. 

Approved March 3, 1903. 

Special de- To provide for the payment of such persons as may be employed 
than" 7 free°- de- for this service the postmaster at any office designated by section 
livery offices. three of this act (2 3 Stat. L., 388) shall keep a record of the 
number of letters received at such office bearing such special- 
delivery stamp, which shall correspond with the number entered 

For provid- in the receipt books heretofore specified, and at the end of the 
ing for pay- 
ment of per- month he may pay to such person or persons employed a sum not 

S °l903 mP M a?' exceed ing eighty per centum of the face value of all such stamps 

3, , eh. 1009, 32 received and recorded during that month: Provided, That nothing 

in this act shall interfere with the prompt delivery of letters as 

now provided by law or regulations of the Post-Office Department. 

Approved March 3, 1903. 

Speciai-de- That every special-deliverv messenger when actually engaged in 
livery messen- J b 

ger deemed a carrying or delivering letters or other mail matter under con- 

Ca i903, M C 'a r tract > directly or indirectly, with the Post-Office Department, shall 

3' c £a I? 09 - sec - be deemed a carrier or person intrusted with the mail and having 

4, 32 Stat. L., 

1176. custody thereof within the meaning of sections thirty-eight hun- 

dred and sixty-nine, thirty-nine hundred and ninety-five, fifty- 
four hundred and seventy-two, and fifty-four hundred and seventy- 
three of the Revised Statutes of the United States. 
Approved March 3, 1903. 

Violent en- Whoever by violence enters a railway post-office car or any 
try of R. P. O. . , . ., . _ . * *«.«■! 

car or mali- apartment in any railway car assigned to the use of the Railway 

on°cierk aSSaUlt ^ ail Service, or who wilfully or maliciously assaults a railway 

1903, Mar. postal clerk in the discharge of his duties in connection with such 
3, ch. 1009, • . , , * ... „ ,-. 

sec. 5, 32 Stat! cai ' or apartment, and whoever wilfully aids or assists therein, 

L " 1176 - shall for every such offense be punishable by a fine of not more 

than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than 
three years. 

Approved March 3, 1903. 

Injuring let- Whoever shall wilfully or maliciously injure, tear down, or 

c^p^tTcie ^ or destroy any letter box or other receptacle established by order of 

mail matter the Postmaster-General, or approved or designated by him for the 
therein. 
19 3, Mar. receipt or delivery of mail matter on any rural free-delivery route, 

!' 32' stat 9 'l/ star roilte ' or other mail route, or shall break open the same, or 
1176. wilfully or maliciously injure, deface, or destroy any mail matter 



139 

deposited therein, or shall wilfully take or steal such matter 
from or out of such letter box or other receptacle, or shall wilfully 
aid or assist in any of the aforementioned offenses, shall for every 
such offense be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand 
dollars or by imprisonment for not more than three years. 
Approved March 3. 1903. 

That third and fourth class mail matter shall not be remailed Prepayment 

o f postage on 
to sender until the proper postage has been fully prepaid on the returned sec- 

same: Provided. That in all cases when undelivered mail matter £oVA* if'cfa^s 

of the third and fourth class is of obvious value, the sender, if matter 

. L n delivered 

known, shall be given the opportunity of prepaying the return mail matter. 

postage or accepting delivery to himself or upon his order at the g ^ ^qq^ 1 go 
office where it is held upon the payment of one cent postage for Stat. L., 1176. 
each card notice given him under such regulations as the Post- 
master-General may prescribe. 
Approved March 3. 1903. 

Xo allowance in excess of two hundred dollars shall be made Allowances 

for clerk hire 
where the salary of the postmaster is one thousand dollars, one at distributing 

thousand one hundred dollars, and ■ one thousand two hundred ifd^f °o a*? ¥2 
dollars : nor in excess of three hundred dollars where the salary of classes. 

j j.1- \- j j .3 ii .li Limitation 

the postmaster is one thousand three hundred dollars, one thou- n allowance. 

sand four hundred dollars, and one thousand five hundred dollars ; 2g 1 ° c 2 4, j^fj" 
nor in excess of four hundred dollars where the salary of the post- 3 3 Stat. L., 
master is one thousand six hundred dollars, one thousand seven 
hundred dollars, one thousand eight hundred dollars, and one 
thousand nine hundred dollars. 

Note. — The act of March 2. 1907 (Public. Xo. 172), making ap- 
propriations for the service of the Post-Office Department, pro- 
vides for allowance not in excess of five hundred dollars, from July 
1. 1907. where the salary of the postmaster is one thousand eight 
hundred dollars or one thousand nine hundred dollars. 

Approved April 28. 1904. 

Assistant superintendents (Railway Mail Service) may receive Per diem al- 
a per diem allowance in lieu of actual and necessary traveling g^lnt 6 super- 
expenses at the rate of four dollars per day while actually travel- in * e °^ ° ts \ 
ing on business of the Department (away from their home, their 28. ch. 1759, 
official domicile .and their headquarters.) 43 3 7. Stat ' L " 

Approved April 28. 1904. 

That there shall be appointed by the President, by and with Purchasing 

the advice and consent of the Senate, a Purchasing Agent for the ^appointment 

Post-Office Department, who shall hold office for four years unless of « „, 

x l 1904. Apr. 

sooner removed by the President, and who shall receive an an- 29, ch. 1759. 

nual salary of four thousand dollars, give bond to the United 4'| 

States in such sum as the Postmaster-General mav determine, and. 5°??- 

Duties, 
report direct to the Postmaster-General : and who shall, under 

such regulations, not inconsistent with existing law. as the Post- 
master-General shall prescribe, and subject to his direction and 
control, have supervision of all purchase of all supplies for the 
postal service. 



140 

Purchasing The Purchasing Agent, in making purchases for supplies neces- 
supplies 

sary for the Post-Office Department, shall advertise, as now pro- 
vided by law, and award contracts for such supplies to the lowest 
Records of responsible bidder in pursuance of existing law. The Purchasing 
Agent shall have recorded in a book to be kept for that purpose 
a true and faithful abstract of all bids made for furnishing sup- 
plies to the Post-Office Department, giving the name of the party 
bidding, the terms of the offer, the sum to be paid, and he shall 
keep on file and preserve all such bids until the end of the contract 
term to which they relate. Each bidder shall have the right to 
be present, either in person or by attorney, when the bids are 

Inspection of opened, and shall have the right to examine and inspect all bids, 
bids. 

All purchases, advertisements, and contracts for supplies for the 

Post-Office Department shall be made by the Purchasing Agent in 

the name of the Postmaster-General, subject to his approval, and 

Preference to in purchasing such supplies preference shall be given to articles 
domestic pro- „ n , . -.'■,. , „ ' . . 

ductions. of domestic production and manutacture, conditions ot price 

Proposals. and quality being equal. There shall be separate proposals and 

Records to separate contracts for each class of material furnished. These 
be open to in- 
spection, records shall be open at all times for the inspection of Congress, 

and for the inspection of those who may be interested in such 
contracts made, or to be made, to furnish supplies to the Post- 
Office Department. (Sec. 3, act of April 29, 1904.) 
Approved April 29, 1904. 

Carriers' Letter carriers of the rural delivery service shall receive a sal- 

— carriers. ai T not exceeding seven hundred and twenty dollars per annum 

ch 19 °i759 r ' 3^' and no otner or farther allowance or salary shall be made to said 

Stat. L., 440. carriers ; and * * * rural carriers shall not solicit business 

or receive orders of any kind for any person, firm, or corporation, 

and shall not during their hours of employment carry any mer- 

Carriers chandise for hire: Provided, That said carriers may carry mer- 

soliciting bus? chandise for hire for and upon the request of patrons residing 

ness - upon their respective routes, whenever the same shall not inter- 

m«!hon a ^I y f ere wi th the proper discharge of their official duties, and under 

for hire. such regulations as the Postmaster-General may prescribe. 

Approved April 28. 1904. 

Mailing mat- Under such regulations as the Postmaster-General may establish 

stamps Affixed. f° r the collection of the lawful revenue and for facilitating the 

f 9o ^'_"ln r ' 2 o6 handling of such matter in the mails it shall be lawful to accept 

Ch. 1759, oo 

Stat. L., 440. for transmission in the mails quantities of not less than two 
pieces ^f third thousand identical pieces of third or fourth class matter without 
and f o u r t h postage stamps affixed : Provided, That postage shall be fully pre- 
paid thereon at the rate required by law for a single piece of such 
matter. 

Approved April 28, 1904. 

Official cor- The Vice-President, Members, and Members-elect of and Dele- 

Me P mife e ?s e of S ates and Delegates-elect to Congress shall have the privilege of 

C ioo4 e a' 28 sencliD g free through the mails, and under their frank, any mail 

ch. 1759, 33 matter to any Government official or to any person correspondence 

at. L., 4 l. not excee( ji n g f our ounces in weight, upon official or departmental 

business. 

Approved April 28, 1904. 



141 

Books, pamphlets, and other reading matter in raised characters Books, pam- 

,,.,,. phlets, etc., tor 
for the use of the blind, whether prepared by hand or printed, in the blind. 

single volumes, not exceeding ten pounds in weight, or in packages c £ 90 %i2*' 2 3$ 

not exceeding four pounds in weight, and containing no advertis- Stat. L., 313. 

s l ~ ' -, , . , , ,- — requirements 

ing or other matter whatever, unsealed, and when sent by public to be entitled 

institutions for the blind, or by any public libraries, as a loan to j;-^™ 11811118 " 
blind readers, or when returned by the latter to such institutions 
or public libraries, shall be transmitted in the United States mails 
free of postage, and under such regulations as the Postmaster- 
General may prescribe. 
Approved April 27, 1904. 

Any person who shall submit or cause to be submitted to any False evi- 
postmaster or to the Post-Office Department or any officer of the character of 
postal service any false evidence relative to any publication for ^^^entry as 
the purpose of securing the admission thereof at the second-class second class. 

, ,. . •> i, i j -ij- £ 1905, Mar. 2, 

rate for transportation in the mails shall be deemed guilty of a C h. 1304. 33 

misdemeanor, and for every such offense, upon conviction thereof, stat - L -» 823 - 
shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more 
than five hundred dollars. 
Approved March 2, 1905. 

When any clerk in post-offices of the first or second class, or in Employment 

,.. „ _ r ., ~ , , ,, ., r and payment 

the Railway Mail Service, or any letter carrier in the city free- f substitute 

delivery service is absent from duty from any cause, other than ^ hen clerk or 

C8.11161 IS 3,0- 

the fifteen days' annual leave with pay allowed by law, the Post- sent other than 
master-General, under such regulations as he may prescribe, may ? e ave. a n n u a 
authorize the employment of a substitute for such work, and pay- h 190 .?Aao ar "«?Q 
ment therefor from the lapsed salary of such absent clerk or stat. L., 1085. 
letter carrier at a rate not to exceed the pay of the grade of work 
performed by such substitute. 
Approved March 3, 1905. 

Hereafter whenever it shall be shown to the satisfaction of the Overcharges 

on mail mat- 
Postmaster-General that any postage is paid on any mail matter ter. 

for which service is not rendered, or is collected in excess of the 3 c ® 148033 

lawful rate, he may, in his discretion, authorize the postmaster Stat. L., 1091. 

at the office where paid to refund the proper amount out of the f u " n ™ e a i y be re ~ 

postal receipts in the possession of the postmaster. 

Approved March 3. 1905. 

No part of the appropriations made for printing and binding Restriction 
shall be used for any illustration, engraving, or photograph in etc. 
any document or report ordered printed by Congress, unless the 3 c £ 14 ' 83j 33 
order to print expressly authorizes the same, nor in any document Stat. L., 1213. 
or report of any Executive Department or other Government 
establishment until the head of the Executive Department or Gov- 
ernment establishment shall certify in a letter transmitting such 
report that the illustration is necessary and relates entirely to the 
transaction of public business. 

Approved March 3, 1905. 



142 

Restriction Hereafter no book or document not having to do with the 
books 1 bv D^ ordinary business transactions of the Executive Departments 



Pa i t 9 1 5 S *Mar sna11 De P rm ted on the requisition of any Executive Department 
• unless the same shall hi 
•ess. 
Approved March 3, 1905. 



3, cb. 1483, 33 or unless the same shall have been expressly authorized by Con- 
Stat. L., 1249. gress _ 



Release of Whenever any postmaster, clerk, carrier, or other person in 
sureties and 
renewal of the postal service, employed in the Post-Office Department or 

bo nds maSteiS elsewhere, notifies the Postmaster-General of his desire to ex- 
Release from ecute a new bond, or whenever any of the sureties of such post- 
suretysbip and 
approval of master, clerk, carrier, or other person, notifies the Postmaster- 

n€ T9 b 5 d Mar. General of his desire to be released from such suretyship, or 
3, cb. 1488, 33 whenever the Postmaster-General deems a new bond necessary 
or expedient, the execution of the new bond may be directed by 
the Postmaster-General. When accepted by the Postmaster-Gen- 
eral, the sureties of postmasters in the prior bond shall be re- 
leased from responsibility for all acts or defaults of the post- 
master which may be done or committed subsequent to the last 
day of the quarter in which such new bond shall be executed and 
accepted, and the sureties of other persons in the prior bond shall 
be released from responsibility for all acts or defaults of such 
persons which may be done or committed subsequent to the day 
such new bond becomes operative. 
Approved March 3, 1005. 

Appropria- No Executive Department or other Government establishment 
ponded c^n l y of the United States shall expend in any one fiscal year any sum 
for tbe objects j n excess f appropriations made by Congress for that fiscal year, 
Expenditures or involve the Government in any contract or other obligation for 
prop rTa\°i o n P s the future payment of_ money in excess of such appropriations, 
f O1 i b 906 en F e b imless sucn contract or obligation is authorized by law. Nor 
27, cb.'sio. 34 shall any Department or any officer of the Government accept 
v Voluntary voluntary service for the Government or employ personal service 
service. m excess of that authorized by law, except in cases of sudden 

emergency involving the loss of human life or the destruction of 
Allotments property. All appropriations made for contingent expenses or 
ficien^ies! 1 other general purposes, except appropriations made in fulfillment 

of contract obligations expressly authorized by law, or for objects 
required or authorized by law without reference to the amounts 
annually appropriated therefor, shall, on or before the beginning 
of each fiscal year, be so apportioned by monthly or other allot- 
ments as to prevent expenditures in one portion of the year which 
may necessitate deficiency or additional appropriations to complete 
the service of the fiscal year for which said appropriations are 

Exceptions made; and all such apportionments shall be adhered to and shall 
in emergencies. , , n ..„ n ,, , „ 

not be waived or modified except upon the happening of some 

extraordinary emergency or unusual circumstance which could not 

be anticipated at the time of making such apportionment, but this 

Appropria- provision shall not apply to the contingent appropriations of the 
gress. Senate or House of Representatives ; and in case said apportion- 

ments are waived or modified as herein provided, the same shall 

Written or- be waived or modified in writing by the head of such Executive 
Department or other Government establishment having control of 



143 

the expenditure, and the reasons therefor shall be fully set forth 
in each particular case and communicated to Congress in connec- 
tion with estimates for any additional appropriations required on 

account thereof. Any person violating any provision of this sec- Penalty for 
,.,,,, .. , ,. ™ -, , , violations, 

tion shall be summarily removed from office and may also be pun- 
ished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars or by imprison- 
ment for not less than one month. 
Approved February 27, 190G. 

The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized to sell as waste Disposition 
paper or otherwise dispose of the files of papers which have accu- ° ers Ie f n of po p s ^ 
mulated or may hereafter accumulate in post-offices that are not offices, 
needed in the transaction of current business and have no perma- 
nent value or historic interest, and pay the proceeds of said sales 19 P 6, 0/1 ^% y t 
into the Treasury as postal revenues. Stat. L., 186. 

Approved May 11, 1906. 

The act of June 22, 1900, making appropriations for the legisla- Other offi- 

tive. executive, and judicial expenses of the Government, and the posVoffice De- 

act of June 26. 1906. making appropriations for the service of the P a £ tme 1 £ t - po 

See R. S., §§ 
Post-Office Department, provide for the following officers in the 393, 394, 400 ; 

Post-Office Department : &%4™90§; 

In the Office of the Postmaster-General : J u n e 26. ch. 

3546 ■ 34 Stat 
Chief Clerk and Superintendent of Post-Office Department l., 436 437 

Building. |f| 439 ' 46tI 

Private Secretarv to the Postmaster-General. Office of the 

-_.. ' . Postmaster - 

Disbursing Clerk. General. 

Appointment Clerk. 

Clerk. Assistant to Chief Clerk. 

Chief Inspector. 

Chief Clerk to Chief Inspector. 

Purchasing Agent. 

Chief Clerk to Purchasing Agent. 

Assistant Attorney. 

Assistant Attorney. 

Law Clerk. 

In the Office of the First Assistant Postmaster-General : Office of the 

/^r, • ^ ™ i First Assistant 

Chief Clerk. Postmaster- 

Superintendent Division of Salaries and Allowances. General. 

Assistant Superintendent Division of Salaries and Allow- 
ances. 
Chief Division of Correspondence. . 
Chief Division of Appointments. 
Chief Division of Bonds and Commissions. 
Superintendent Division of City Delivery. 
Assistant Superintendent Division of City Delivery. 

In the Office of the Second Assistant Postmaster-General : Office of the 

/-n ■ -p r-n i Second Assist- 

Chief Clerk. a n t p os tmas- 

Superintendent Division of Railway Adjustments. ter-General. 

Assistant Superintendent Division of Railway Adjustments, 

and Law Clerk. 
Superintendent Division of Foreign Mails. 
Assistant Superintendent Division of Foreign Mails with 

headquarters in New York, N. Y. 



144 



Office of the 
Third Assist- 
a n t Postmas- 
ter-General. 



Office of the 
Fourth As- 
sistant-Post- 
master - Gen- 
eral. 



Chief Clerk Division of Foreign Mails. 

Chief Division of Contracts. 

Chief Division of Mail Equipment. 

General Superintendent Railway Mail Service. 

Assistant General Superintendent Railway Mail Service. 

Chief Clerk Office of General Superintendent Railway Mail 
Service. ' 

Assistant Chief Clerk Office of General Superintendent Rail- 
way Mail Service. 
In the Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster-General : 

Chief Clerk. 

Superintendent Division of Stamps. 

Superintendent Division of Finance. 

Assistant Superintendent Division of Finance. 

Superintendent Division of Classification. 

Four Special Agents Division of Classification. 

Chief Division of Redemption. 

Superintendent Division of Registered Mails. 

Six Assistant Superintendents Division of Registered Mails. 

Superintendent Division of Money Orders. 

Chief Clerk to Superintendent Division of Money Orders. 
In the Office of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General : 

Chief Clerk. 

Superintendent Division of Rural Delivery. 

Assistant Superintendent Division of Rural Delivery. 

Superintendent Division of Dead Letters. 

Superintendent Division of Supplies. 

Assistant Superintendent Division of Supplies. 

Topographer. 

Assistant Topographer. 
Approved June 22, 1906. 



Act June 26, 
1906, ch. 3546, 



34 
467. 



Stat. 



(The Postmaster-General may appoint) fifteen inspectors in 
charge of divisions at three thousand dollars each ; ten inspectors 
at two thousand four hundred dollars each; fifteen inspectors at 
two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars each ; fifteen inspectors 
at two thousand dollars each ; ten inspectors at one thousand eight 
hundred dollars each ; one hundred and thirty inspectors at one 
thousand six hundred dollars each ; one hundred and ten inspectors 
at one thousand four hundred dollars each ; and seventy-two in- 
spectors at one thousand two hundred dollars each. * * * Pro- 
vided, That all persons employed on the thirtieth day of June, nine- 
teen hundred and six, as superintendents of division, rural delivery, 
shall, on July first, nineteen hundred and six, be appointed as post- 
office inspectors of the grade of one thousand eight hundred dol- 
lars per year : And provided further, That all persons employed on 
June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and six, as rural agents shall, 
on July first, nineteen hundred and six, be appointed as post-office 
inspectors, except not to exceed one hundred and forty-seven of 
such agents shall be so appointed as post-office inspectors. 

Approved June 26, 1906. 



145 

The Postmaster-General shall require all railroads carrying the Railroads to 
mails under contract to comply with the terms of said contract as contracts as to 
to the time of arrival and departure of said mails, and it shall be j*JJ e departure 
his duty to impose and collect reasonable fines for delay when of mails. 
such delay is not caused by unavoidable accidents or conditions. 26, ch.'3 5 46, 

Note.— The act of March 2, 1907, making appropriation for the |^ 2 Stat ' L '' 
service of the Post-Office Department from July 1, 1907, changes 
the words " under contract to comply with the terms of said con- 
tract " to " to maintain their regular train schedules." 

Approved June 26, 1906. 

Note. — The act of June 26, 1906, provides : " Railway Mail Serv- Railway 

ice: One general superintendent, at $4,000; one assistant general officials; sal- 

•ies. 
1906, June 

intendent, at $2,000 ; one assistant chief clerk, office of general 26 ; ch. 3546 ; 

superintendent, at $1,800 ; eleven division superintendents, at 473. 
$3,000 each ; eleven assistant division superintendents, at $1,800 
each ; five assistant superintendents, at $1,800 each ; nineteen as- 
sistant superintendents, at $1,600_ each." The act of March 2, 
1907, making appropriations for the service of the Post-Office De- 
partment, fixes the salaries of assistant division superintendents 
at $2,000 a year, and of the two classes of assistant superintend- 
ents above named at $2,000 and $1,800 each a year from July 1, 
1907. 

Approved June 26, 1906. 

The Postmaster-General shall require, when in freightable lots Withdrawal 

and whenever practicable, the withdrawal from the mails of all etc., during 

postal cards, stamped envelopes, newspaper wrappers, empty mail ^Jf hmg sea " 

bags, furniture, equipment, and other supplies for the postal serv- 1906, June 
, , , . ' ,. ...,...„ 26, ch. 3546, 34 

ice except postage stamps m the respective weighing divisions of stat. L., 473. 

the country immediately preceding the weighing period in said /public M *n' 2 ' 

divisions, and thereafter such postal cards, stamped envelopes, 172). 

newspaper wrappers, empty mail bags, furniture, equipment, and 

other supplies for the postal service, except postage stamps, shall 

be transmitted by either freight or express. 

Approved June 26, 1906. 

In the assignment or transfer of clerks from the Railway Mail Certain pref- 

erence sriven in 
Service, preference shall be given to the persons honorably dis- the assignment 

charged from the military or naval service who served, in the civil P 1 * t +^ / ?'|£^f' 

irom tug iv3.ii- 

war and who are now serving as clerks on the railway mail cars, way Mail Serv- 
iD order that they may be transferred to clerical service in the 1Ce (i905, Mar. 
Department or in the post-offices and relieved from service on said oV c | 1 'T 14 fo8s 3 ? 
cars as rapidly as practicable, provided they are found to possess 1906," June 
the business capacity necessary for the proper discharge of the g t at. L., 474. 
duties of the office to which they may be transferred. 
Approved March 3, 1905. 

No article, package, or other matter, except postage stamps, . Penalty priv- 
stamped envelopes, newspaper wrappers, postal cards, and internal- * limited t o 
revenue stamps, shall be admitted to the mails under a penalty stri <jtly mail 

6300—07 10 



146 

1906, June privilege unless such article, package, or other matter, except post- 
26, ch. 3546, 34 , , , ' * V ^ 
Stat. L., 477. a S e stamps, stamped envelopes, newspaper wrappers, postal cards, 

and internal-revenue stamps, shall be entitled to admission to the 

mails under law requiring payment of postage. 

Approved June 26, 1906. 

Carriers' Rural letter carriers, after twelve months' service, (will) be 
sence with pay! allowed annual leave, with pay, not to exceed fifteen days ; the 
26 19 h 6 3546 *34 substitutes for carriers on vacation to be paid during said service 
Stat. L., 477. at the rate of six hundred dollars per annum. 

1907, Mar. 2 . n , „ ^nnn 
(Public No Approved June 26, 1906. 
172). 

Compensation Where the compensation of any person in the service of the 
post°offices S of United States is annual or monthly the following rules for divi- 

flrst and sec- s i 011 f time and computation of pay for services rendered are 
ond classes. 

Salary of hereby established: Annual compensation shall be divided into 

employees! 1611 twelve equal installments, one of which shall be the pay for 

1906, June each calendar month ; and in making payments for a fractional 
30, ch. 3914, 

3 4 Stat. L., part of a month one-thirtieth of one of such installments, or 

Division. °* a monthly compensation, shall be the daily rate of pay. For 
Computa- the purpose of computing such compensation and for comput- 
ing time for services rendered during a fractional part of a 
month in connection with annual or monthly compensation, each 
and every month shall be held to consist of thirty days without 
regard to the actual number in any calendar month, thus exclud- 
ing the thirty-first of any calendar month from the compu- 
tation and treating February as if it actually had thirty days. 
Any person entering the service of the United States during a 
thirty-one-day month and serving until the end thereof shall be 
entitled to pay for that month from the date of entry to the 
thirtieth day of said month, both days inclusive ; and any per- 
son entering said service during the month of February and 
serving until the end thereof shall be entitled to one month's 
pay, less as many thirtieths thereof as there were days elapsed 
Proviso of prior to date of entry: Provided, That for one day's unau- 
forfeiture. thorized absence on the thirty-first day of any calendar month 

one day's pay shall be forfeited. 
Approved June 30, 1906. 

Reports to The Postmaster-General shall each year prepare and submit 
— of revenues in his annual report to Congress estimates of the revenue and 
tures 6 X for n cur- Expenditures in the postal service for the fiscal year current and 
V e ut and ensu- also for the fiscal year next ensuing at the time said report is 

1907, Mar. 2, submitted, together with a statement of the receipts and expendi- 
Stat L I2rr 4 tures for the preceding completed fiscal year. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

Inspectors. The act of March 2, 1907, provides " for traveling expenses of 

— expenses. • _ 

1907, Mar. 2, inspectors without per diem allowances, mspectors-in-charge, and 

Stat. L. 1205 4 tlie chief post-office inspector, and expenses incurred by inspectors 

not covered by per diem allowance." 

Approved March 2, 1907. 



147 

Post-office inspectors in the field (shall he allowed a per diem) Per diem al- 

~. . , , ,. ,, . , lowance to in- 

while actually traveling on official business away trom their home, spectors in the 

their official domicile, and their headquarters, at a rate to he fiel ( d 1 ' 901 Mar 

fixed by the Postmaster-General, not to exceed four dollars per 3, ch. 851, 31 

day; Provided, that the Postmaster-General may. in his discre- 1907? Mar. 2, 

tion. allow inspectors per diem while temporarily located at any |^ t ^''{oo^ 

place on business away 'from their home, or their designated ■ — when made. 

domicile, for a period not exceeding twenty consecutive days at —while tempo- 

any one place, and make rules and regulations governing the fore- Jt^ne piace ted 

going provisions relating to per diem. —regulations 

Approved March 2. 1907. 

The Postmaster-General may. from time to time, designate any Designation 
officer of the Post-Office Department above the grade of fourth- sf gn ° wSian/s! 
class clerk or any employee in the office of the Third Assistant ^Y^'ono"*^ 
Postmaster-General above the grade of a clerk of Class E to sign 6, _32 - stat. L.', 
warrants. " collection " and " transfer " drafts in his stead, and iqqj Mar 2 
such warrants and drafts when so signed shallbe of the same ^h. 2513 ; 34 
validity as if signed by the Postmaster-General. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

On and after July 1, 1907, letter carriers of the Rural Delivery Rural car- 
Service shall receive a salary not exceeding nine hundred dollars Iie i90T?MaVV2, 
per annum: Provided, That rural letter carriers after twelve |^ t 2 j} B [<>i5 
months' service shall be allowed annual leave with pay not to — annual leave, 
exceed fifteen days. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

(On and after July 1, 1907) substitutes for (rural) carriers on 1907, Mar. z 

ch °513 * 34 
vacation (shall) he paid during said service at the rate paid the stat.'L, 1213, 

carrier. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

After June 30. 1907. clerks in offices of the first and second class Clerks in first 
and carriers in the city delivery service shall be divided into six £iass officesand 

grades, as follows : First grade, salary six hundred dollars : sec- carriers m city 

delivery serv- 
ond grade, salary eight hundred dollars ; third grade, salary nine ice sha'll be di- 

hundred dollars ; fourth grade, salary one thousand dollars : fifth Z^e S d into 
grade, salary one thousand one hundred dollars ; sixth grade. 1901' M . ar - 2 
salary one thousand two hundred dollars. Clerks and carriers at stat. L.,' 1206. 
first-class offices shall be promoted successively to the fifth grade, ^ s t ed U suv^es- 
and clerks and carriers at second-class offices shall be promoted siveiy. 
successively to the fourth grade. 

After June 30, 1907, all promotions of both clerks and carriers — may he pro- 
shall be made at the beginning of the quarter following the expira- ^t^factVry 
tion of a year's service in the next lower grade. No promotion evidence. 
shall be made except upon evidence satisfactory to the Post-Office 
Department of the efficiency and faithfulness of the employee 
during the preceding year. The Post-Office Department may re- —may he re- 
duce a clerk or carrier from a higher to a lower grade whenever cluced in § rade - 
his efficiency falls below a fair standard or whenever necessary 
for purposes of discipline. When a clerk or carrier has been re may be re- 
duced in salary, he may be restored to his former grade or ad- ^ei- 6 grade °or 

vanced to any intermediate grade at the beginning of any quarter advanced to in- 

° * a ter mediate 

following the reduction, on evidence that his record has been satis- grade. 



148 

— may be pro- factory during the intervening period. When a clerk or carrier 

moted at the „ .. „ 

beginning of fails or promotion because of unsatisfactory service, he may be 

sequent 01 quar- P 1 * 01110 *^ at the beginning of the second quarter thereafter, or of 

ter, when. any subsequent quarter, on evidence that his record has been 

— eligible for satisfactory during the intervening period. Clerks and carriers 

promotion to.,,., 

higher p o s i - of the highest grade in their respective offices shall be eligible for 

tlons ' promotion to the higher positions in said post-offices. 

Clerks may After June 30, 1907, any clerk shall be eligible for transfer to 
be transferred ,, „ 

to carrier, and the service of a carrier, and any carrier shall be eligible for trans- 

elerk's 1 service fer to tne - service of a clerk, such transfer to be made to any grade 

not higher than the corresponding grade of salary, and the time 

which such clerk or carrier shall have served in the grade from 

which such transfer was made shall be counted in connection with 

the service to which such transfer may be made in computing the 

time of service necessary to entitle such employees to promotion : 

Limitation on Provided, That no clerk or carrier shall be promoted more than 
promotion. , ... . , . , . . _ . 7 _ _ 

one grade within any one years period of service: Provided, how- 
ever, That the carriers who, on June 30, 1907. are regularly em- 
ployed at a salary of eight hundred dollars per annum shall be 
promoted to the fourth grade upon evidence satisfactory to the 
Post-Office Department of the efficiency and faithfulness of the 
employee during at least one year's service. 

Auxiliary em- After June 30, 1907, auxiliary employees may be employed, to 
be paid for actual services at the rate of thirty cents an hour : 
Provided, That such employees shall be required to work not less 
than two hours daily and may serve as substitutes: And provided 
further, That such employees shall be eligible for appointment as 
clerks and carriers of the first grade. 
Substitutes. After June 30, 1907, substitutes may be employed, to be paid at 
the rate of thirty cents an hour when serving for absent clerks 
and carriers: Provided, That such substitutes shall be eligible for 
appointment as auxiliary employees and as clerks and carriers of 
the first grade. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

Leave of ab- The leave of absence authorized by law to clerks in post-offices 
— c lerks in shall be construed exclusive of Sundays and holidays. 
^Suction. Approved March 2. 1P07. 

1907, Mar. 2, eh. 2513 ; 34 Stat. L., 1213. 

Adjustment The Postmaster-General is hereby authorized and directed to 
t i o n ; condi- readjust the compensation to be paid from and after the first day 
tl0 n S ^^I^, t of' °f' July, nineteen hundred and seven, for the transportation of 

v., o m pen Sit- 

tion further re- mail on railroad routes carrying their whole length an average 
1907. Mar. 2, weight of mails per day of upward of five thousand pounds by 

Stat 2 L 13 i - ?l 3 2 4 ma ki n § the following changes in the present rates per mile per 
annum for the transportation of mail on such routes, and here- 
after the rates on such routes shall be as follows : On routes 
carrying their whole length an average weight of mail per day 
of more than five thousand pounds and less than forty-eight 
thousand pounds the rates shall be five per centum less than the 
present rates on all weight carried in excess of five thousand 
pounds; and on routes carrying their whole length an average 
weight of mail per day of more than forty-eight thousand pounds 



149 

the rate shall be five per centum less than the present rates on all 
weight carried in excess of five thousand pounds up to forty-eight 
thousand pounds, and for each additional two thousand pounds 
in excess of forty-eight thousand pounds at the rate of nineteen 
dollars and twenty-four cents upon all roads other than land- 
grant roads, and upon all land-grant roads the rate shall be 
seventeen dollars and ten cents for each two thousand pounds car- 
ried in excess of said forty-eight thousand pounds. 
Approved March 2, 1907. 

After July 1, 1907. additional pay allowed for every line com- Additional 

, .. , . , „ _, , „ pay for rail- 

prising a daily trip each way of railway post-office cars shall way post-office 

be at a rate not exceeding twenty-five dollars per mile per ^-fc^y Mar 2 

annum for cars forty feet in length and twenty-seven dollars and ch. 2513 ; 34 

fifty cents per mile per annum for forty-five-foot cars, and thirty- —rates of. 

two dollars and fifty cents per mile per annum for fifty -foot 

cars, and forty dollars per mile per annum for cars fifty-five feet 

or more in length. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

Acting or substitute city letter carriers, rural letter carriers. Carriers, 

clerks etc 
post-office clerks, railway mail clerks, and other employees con- a c t i n g or 

nected with the postal service who are temporary employees, shall sul ?9o- U \i ar 9- 

be paid at the usual rate for each day's service during the fiscal ch. 2513 ; 34 

year ending June 30. 1907, and thereafter. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

From and after July first, nineteen hundred and seven, when Special de- 
in addition to the stamps required to transmit any letter or pack- ^^OT^iVr. 2, 
age of mail matter through the mails there shall be attached to ^ 2 l 61 124 8 4 4 
the envelope or covering ten cents' worth of ordinary stamps of — use of ordi- 
any denomination, with the words " special delivery " or their authorized, 
equivalent written or printed on the envelope or covering, under 
such regulations as the Postmaster-General may prescribe, the 
said package shall be handled, transmitted, and delivered in all 
respects as though it bore a regulation " special-delivery " stamp. 

Approved March 2, 1907. 

The provisions of section of the act of June 30, 1906, making Carriers, 

olpi'l^s PLC 

appropriations for the sundry civil expenses of the Government Temporary 

for the fiscal year ending June 20, 1907, shall not be construed to services ; pay- 

• ment for ac- 

prevent acting or substitute city letter carriers, rural letter car- tual service. 

riers, post-office clerks, railway mail clerks, and other employees C h. 2919 f F '34 

connected with the postal service who are temporary employees, stat - L - 1391. 

being paid during the fiscal year 1907 at the usual rate for each 

day's actual service. 

Approved March 4, 1907. 

Note. — The act of March 2, 1907 (Public. Xo. 172), making ap- Expenditures 
propriations for the service of the Post-Office Department (effec- a^d* fu'ei 1& at 
tive July 1, 1907), provides that there shall not be allowed, for JnJ'thiJdcfass 
use in any third-chass post-office, for rent a sum in excess of four offices. 
hundred and eighty dollars, nor more than eighty dollars for fuel 
and light in any one year. 



150 

Inspectors. It provides also for ten inspectors at one thousand eight hun- 

— salaries". clred dollars each; one hundred and thirty inspectors at one thou- 

sand six hundred dollars each ; one hundred and ten inspectors at 
one thousand four hundred dollars each ; and seventy-two inspect- 
ors at one thousand two hundred dollars each. 
Approved March 2,1907. 

Acting Post- Note. — Pursuant to the authority conferred by section 179 of 
master - Gen- tbe Revised statutes: The Second Assistant Postmaster-General is 

—who maybe authorized and directed to perform the duties of the Postmaster- 

in Post - Office 

Department. General, whenever and so long as he and the First Assistant 

Order 6 Jan. 1 ^ Postmaster-General shall both be absent or sick; and the Third 
1893 - Assistant Postmaster-General is authorized and directed to per- 

form the duties of Postmaster-General whenever and so long as he 
and the First and Second Assistant Postmasters-General shall be 
absent or sick. And the Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General 
is authorized and directed to perform the duties of Postmaster- 
General whenever and so long as he and the First, Second, and 
Third Assistant Postmasters-General shall all be absent or sick". 
Approved January 6, 1893. 

Rates of com- Note. — The acts making appropriations for the service of the 
electric or ca- Post-Office Department for the fiscal years ending June thirtieth, 
ble s C ee' S i9 Y o C 6 nineteen hundred and seven, and June thirtieth, nineteen hundred 
June 26, ch. and eight, include appropriations for transportation of mail by 
L., 474 ; 1907| electric and cable cars, and provide that the rate of compensation 
No * i72) E>UbliC ' t° ^ e P a *d P er m ite shall not exceed the rate now paid to com- 
panies performing such service, except that the Postmaster-Gen- 
eral, in cases where the quantity of mail is large and the number 
of exchange points numerous, may, in his discretion, authorize 
payment for closed-pouch service at a rate per mile not to exceed 
one-third above the rate per mile now paid for closed-pouch serv- 
ice ; and for mail cars and apartments carrying the mails, not 
to exceed the rate of one cent per linear foot per car mile of 
travel : Provided further, That the rates for electric-car service 
on routes over twenty miles in length outside of cities shall not 
exceed the rates paid for service on steam railroads. 
Approved June 26, 1906. 

Railway Note.— The Postmaster-General may appoint clerks for the pur- 
postal clerks. „ 

R. S., sec. pose of assorting and distributing the mail in railway post-offices 

1882 July 3 * * * (who) shall * * * be designated as railway postal 
c b . 3 6 1,22 clerks, and (be) divided into six classes, whose salaries shall not 

1895, Feb. 28. exceed the following rates per annum : 
Stat "l* °692 8 Class 1, at not exceeding eight hundred dollars ; 

1900 June 3, Class 2, at not exceeding nine hundred dollars ; 
Stat. L., 258. Class 3, at not exceeding one thousand dollars ; 
c b 90 !'^.? 1 '!^ Class 4 (B), at not exceeding one thousand one hundred dollars ; 
Stat. L., 115. Class 4 (A), at not exceeding one thousand two hundred dollars ; 

cb 1009 32 Class 5 (B), at not exceeding one thousand three hundred dol- 
Stat. L., il72. ,„_. 
1906. June ldlb ' 
26, cb. 3546, Class 5 (A), at not exceeding one thousand four hundred dol- 
34 Stat. L., 473. . 
— classification lars ; 
and salaries. 



151 

Class G, at not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars ; 

Chief clerks, at not exceeding one thousand six hundred dol- 
lars : 

Provided, That the Postmaster-General, in fixing the salaries Clerks in 
of clerks in the different classes, may fix different salaries for be^a^d^differ- 
clerks of the same class, according to the amount of work done ent salaries - 
and the responsibility incurred by each, but shall not, in any 
case, allow a higher salary to any clerk of any class than the 
maximum fixed by this section for the class to which such clerk 
belongs. 

Additional Note. — The act of March 2, 1907, making appro- 
priations for the service of the Post-Office Department fixes the 
salaries of railway postal clerks from July 1, 1907, as follows: 

Class 1 (B), at not exceeding eight hundred dollars; 

Class 1 (A), at not exceeding nine hundred dollars ; 

Class 2, at not exceeding one thousand dollars ; 

Class 3, at not exceeding one thousand one hundred dollars ; 

Class 4 (B), at not exceeding one thousand two hundred dollars ; 

Class 4 (A), at not exceeding one thousand three hundred dol- 
lars ; 

Class 5 (B), at not exceeding one thousand four hundred dol- 
lars; 

Class 5 (A), at not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars ; • 

Class 6, at not exceeding one thousand six hundred dollars ; 

Chief clerks, at not exceeding one thousand eight hundred dol- 
lars ; and provides further that after such date railway mail 
clerks on entering the service shall receive the salary of the lowest 
grade, and no clerk shall be advanced more than two hundred dol- 
lars in any period of one year's service. 



REFERENCE INDEX 

TO THE 

REVISED STATUTES AND STATUTES OF THE UNITED STATES, 
FROM SECTIONS OF THE REVISED STATUTES, THE SUPPLE- 
MENTS THERETO, AND SUBSEQUENT VOLUMES OF THE 
STATUTES AT LARGE TO SECTIONS OF THE POSTAL LAWS 
AND REGULATIONS, EDITION OF 1902. 



" Note " under "Remarks " indicates that the statute is referred to in the note to the section quoted; 
Ref ." that it is referred to either in the margin, in the body, or at the end of the section cited. 



Act of Congress. 



Titie. 









P.L.& 
R. 




Chap. 


Sec. 


Approved. 


Remarks. 








Sec. 






161 


Aug. 15,1876 


14 






163 


Mar. 3,1853 


23 






166 


do 


28 






170 


Feb. 28,1867 


108 


Note. 




177 


July 23,1868 


7 






178 


do 


7 






179 


do 


7 






182 


do 


108 






183 


Apr. 10,1869 


225 






184 


Feb. 14,1871 


155 







185 


do 


155 


Note. 




186 


do 


155 


Note. 




187 


do 


155 


Note. 




188 


June 25,1868 


155 


Note. 




193 


Aug. 26, 1842 


92 






195 


Dec. 1, 1873 


94 




1 


236 


Mar. 3, 1817 


158 




3 


270 


June 8, 1872 


171 




4 


276 


Mar. 3, 1875 


5 




4 


277 


do 


160 


Ref. 


4 


277 


do 


161 




4 


292 


June 8, 1872 


173 




4 


293 


do 


168 




4 


294 


do 


162 




4 


295 


do 


197 




4 


296 


do 


190 




4 


297 


do 


166 




4 


298 


do 


166 






381 


do 


191 






382 


do 


189 






388 


do 


2 






389 


Mar. 3, 1877 


3 






390 


June 8, 1872 


4 






391 


Mar. 5, 1874 


207 






392 


June 8, 1872 


208 






393 


do 


6 


Ref. 




394 


Mar. 3,1873 


6 


Ref. 





395 


June 8, 1872 


13 




... 


396 


Mar. 3,1877 


12 






397 


June 8, 1872 


75 






398 


do 


519 







399 


do 


520 






400 


do 


6 


Ref. 




401 


do 


61 






402 


do 


64 






403 


do 


63 






404 


do 


1274 






405 


do 


170 






406 


do 


152 





Revised Statutes • IV 

Do ' IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do .• IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do ' IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do IV 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do.. VII 

Do VII 

Do VII 

Do • VII 

Do VII 

Do VIII 

Do VIII 

Do , IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 

Do IX 



(153) 



154 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 


Title. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Approved. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 








Sec. 






IX 

IX 

IX 

IX 

IX 

IX 

IX 

IX 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIH 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XIII 
XVI 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XIX 
XXXVI 
XXXVI 
XXXVIII 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 

XL 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLI 
XLII 
XLIII 
XLIII 
XLIII 
XLIII 


3' 

3 
7 
7 
14 
14 
17 
17 
17 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 


407 
408 
409 


June 8, 1872 

do 

do 


119 
121 
198 
199 
199 
223 

145 
178 
1562 
178 
1562 
192 
193 
184 
184 
185 
178 
187 
188 
188 
188 
188 
188 
188 
188 
188 
188 
186 
186 
183 
182 
195 
195 
1563 
215 
26 
207 
213 
108 
154 
177 
208 
1596 
1597 
222 
173 
173 
142 
16 
362 
102 
98 
98 
120 
123 
130 
106 
103 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 
145 
97 
148 
104 
104 
104 
104 
104 
109 
104 
1591 
68 
72 
69 
66 




Do 




Do 




Do 


410 i do 

411 do 




Do 




Do 


412 
413 
414 
563 
563 


do 

do 

do 

Mar. 3, 1845 
Mar. 3.1875 




Do... 




Do... 




Do... 




Do... 




Do... 


629 ! Mar. 3,1845 
629 | Feb. 19,1875 
775 , June 8,1872 
792 ! July 2,1836 
882 | May 31,1854 

889 ' July 27,1868 

890 j do 

919 ' June 8,1872 

924 i Feb. 23,1865 

925 do 

926 do 

927 do 

928 do 

929 do 

930 do 

931 do 

932 do 

933 do 

951 ! Mar. 3,1797 

952 , July 2,1836 

958 do 

964 do 

975 ' May 8,1792 

976 ; Feb. 28,1799 
1014 ' Aug. 22, 1842 
1629 ; Apr. 30,1810 
1754 Mar. 3,1865 
1758 Aug. 6, 1861 

1763 Aug. 31,1852 

1764 i Aug. 26,1842 

1765 Aug. 23,1842 

1766 ' May 20,1836 
1778 July 29,1854 

1781 Feb. 25,1863 

1782 I June 11,1864 
1784 ' Feb. 1,1870 

3466 Mar. 2,1799 

3467 do 

3576 , Apr. 7,1866 

3614 Aug. 4,1854 

3615 : Feb. 12,1873 
3620 '' Feb. 27, 1877 

3622 do 

3623 1 Mar. 3,1809 

3641 i June 8,1872 

3642 j Aug. 6, 1846 

3644 1 do 

3648 Jan. 31,1823 
3651 ! June 3,1864 

3660 Aug. 26,1842 

3661 i May 8,1872 

3662 i Mar. 3,1855 

3663 Feb. 27,1877 

3664 Mar. 3,1855 

3665 '• June 2,1858 

3668 June 8, 1872 

3669 Aug. 15,1876 
3674 , June 8,1872 

3678 • Feb. 12,1868 

3679 July 12,1870 

3682 do 

3683 i Aug. 26,1842 
3690 Julv 12,1870 

3690 .....do 

3691 June 20,1874 

3708 ; Feb. 5,1867 

3709 June 22.1874 

3709 do 

3710 Jan. 31.1868 




Do... 




Do 




Do... 




Do... 


Note. 


Do... 




Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 

Do 


Note. 
Note. 


Do... 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do ) 

Do... 


Note. 
Note. 
Note. 


Do 




Do 




Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

- Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 


Note. 
Note. 

Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 




Do 






Do 

Do 

Do... 

Do 


Ref. 
Ref. 


Do 




Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 




Do.. 

Do.....* 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 




Do 


3732 


Mar. 2, 1861 





155 



Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 







P. L. & 
R. 




Act of Congress. 


Title. Chap. Sec. i Approved. 


E cm; irks. 








Sec. 






XLIII 


3734 1 July 15,1870 


12 
66 


Note. 


Do 


XLIII 3735 1 Jan. 31,1868 




Do 


XLIII 3737 ! July 17,1862 


65 




Do 


XLIII 3739 , June 22,1874 


63 


Note. 


Do 


XLIII 3741 J Feb. 27,1877 


63 




Do 


XLV 3786 ! July 20,1868 


83 




Do 


XLV 3789 ! Mar. 3,1871 


83 




Do 


XLV 3797 June 25, 1864 


83 


Ref. 


Do 


XLV 3803 Mar. 9,1868 


520 




Do 


XLV 3804 do 


520 




Do 


XLV 


3806 ' do 


520 




Do 


XLV 


3828 Julv 15,1870 


84 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3829 June 8,1872 


228 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3830 July 12,1876 


234 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3831 June 8,1872 


237 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3832 do 


212 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3833 do 


178 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3833 do 


1562 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3834 do 


238 


. 


Do 


XLVI 1 


3835 do 


165 




DO 


XLVI 1 


3S35 do 


165 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 1 


3836 do 


87 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 1 


3836 ; do 


245 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3837 j do 


243 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3838 do 


180 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3839 do 


262 




Do 


XLVI 1 


3840 f do 


553 




Do.... 


XLVI 1 


3841 do 


1322 




• Do 


XLVI 1 


3842 do 


372 




Do 


XLVI 




3843 \ do 


392 




Do 


XLVI 




3844 do 


393 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 




3845 
3846 

3847 


do 

do 

Mar. 3,1873 


406 
355 
358 




Do 




Do 




Do 


XLVI 




3848 June 8,1872 


362 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 




3849 do 

3850 do 

3851 do 


1325 
1161 
275 
255 




Do 




Do 




Do 


3852 


July 12,1876 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 




3852 


.....do.. 


257 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 




3853 


June 23,1874 

do 

do 

do 

do 


255 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 


} 


3853 
3854 
3854 
3855 


257 
255 
257 
255 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 




3855 


do 


257 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 




3856 


Feb. 18,1875 


255 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 




3856 
3857 


do 

June 8,1872 


257 
378 


Ref. 


Do 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 




3858 


do 


224 
308 




Do 


3859 1 July 12,1876 

3860 | do 

3860 ; do 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 




286 
317 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 




3860 ! do 

3860 1 do 

3861 | June 8,1872 


321 
324 
377 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 




3862 [ do 

3863 do 


380 
309 




Do -. 




Do 


XLVI 




3864 1 do 


233 




Do 


XLVI 


2 


3865 i June 23,1874 


709 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


2 


3866 June 8,1872 


726 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


2 


3867 ! do 


• 737 




Do 


XLVI 


2 


3868 ! do 


719 




Do 


XLVI 


2 


3869 1 do 


1603 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3870 ! do 


735 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3871 i do 


230 




Do 


XLVI 


2 


3872 ' Mar. 3,1877 


452 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3873 \ June 8,1872 


710 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3874 1 do 


395 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3875 ! do 


410 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3876 1 do 


413 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3877 July 12,1876 


427 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3878 do 


471 




Do 


XLVI ' 


3 


3879 ! Mar. 3,1875 


487 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3880 ! June 8,1872 


81 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3881 i do 


489 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3882 1 do 


614 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3883 1 do 


464 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3884 ! do 


451 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 


3 


3885 


do 


678 





156 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 













P. L. & 
R. 




Act of Congress. 


Title. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Approved. 


Remarks. 












Sec. 




Revised Statutes 


XLVI 
XLVI 


3 
3 


3886 

3887 


July 12,1876 
June 8,1872 


462 
484 




Do 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3888 


do 


1144 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3889 


do 


1488 




Do ,. 


XLVI 


3 


3890 


do 


1608 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3891 


do 


1605 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3892 


do 


1610 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3893 


July 12,1876 


497 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3893 


do 


624 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


3 


3893 


do.. 


658 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


3 


3894 


do.- 


499 




Do 


XLVI 


3 


3895 


June 8, 1872 


60 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3896 


do 


411 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3897 


Mar. 3,1877 


471 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3898 


June 8,1872 


412 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3898 


do 


421 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


4 


3899 


do 


1579 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3900 


do 


616 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3901 


do 


348 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3902 


do 


422 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3903 


Mar. 3,1877 


414 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3904 


June 8,1872 


414 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3905 


Mar. 3,1877 


448 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3906 


June 8, 1872 


451 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 


4 


3907 


do 


448 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3907 


do 


452 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 


4 


3908 


do 


448 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3910 


do 


471 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3911 


do 


480 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 


4 


3912 


do 


536 




Do 


XLVI 


4 


3913 


do 


423 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3914 


do 


132 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3915 


do 


136 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3916 


do 


139 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3917 


do 


141 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3918 


do 


328 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3919 


do 


328 


Ref. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3920 


do 


329 


Ref. 


Do. 


XLVI 


5 


3921 


do 


564 




Do : 


XLVI 


5 


3922 


do 


1581 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3922 


do 


1585 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3923 


do 


1385 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3923 


do 


1582 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3923 


do 


1584 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3924 


do 


1585 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3924 


do 


1583 




Do 


XLVI 


5 


3925 


do 


1585 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


5 


3925 


do 


1584 




Do 


XLVI 


6 


3920 


do 


796 




Do 


XLVI 


6 


3926 


do 


899 




Do 


XLVI 


6 


3927 


do 


801 




Do 


XLVI 


6 


3928 


do 


855 




Do , 


XLVI 


6 


3929 


do 


503 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


6 


3929 


do 


503 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3930 


do 


659 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3931 


do 


660 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3932 


do 


836 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3933 


do 


662 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3934 


do 


661 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3935 


do 


668 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3936 


do 


46 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


7 


3936 


do 


48 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3936 


do 


669 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3937 


do 


46 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 


7 
7 


3937 
3937 


do 

do 


420 
569 




Do 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 


7 
7 
7 


3938 
3938 
3939 


.....do 

do 

do 


46 

53 

670 


Note. 


Do 




Do 




Do 


XLVI 


7 


3940 


do 


627 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 


8 
8 


3941 
3942 


Mar. 3,1877 
June 8,1872 


1254 
1163 


Note. 


Do 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 


8 
8 
8 


3943 
3943 
3944 


do 

do 

do 


1242 
1243 
1264 


Note. 


Do 


Note. 


Do 




Do 


XLVI 


8 


3945 


Aug. 11,1876 


1258 




Do 


XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 


8 
8 
8 


3946 
3947 
3948 


....do.. 

June 23,1874 
June 8,1872 


1259 
1626 
1267 




Do 




Do 




Do 


XLVI 


8 


3948 


do 


1323 





157 



Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 













P.L.& 
R. 




Act of Congress. 


Title. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Approved. 


Remarks. 










Sec. 






....' XLVI 


8 
8 


3949 
3950 


June 8.1872 
do 


1268 
1270 




Do 


XLVI 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3951 


Aug. 11,1876 


1272 




Do 


.... XLVI- 


8 


3952 


June 8, 1872 


1272 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


8 


3953 


Aug. 11,1876 


1272 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


8 


3954 


do. ...... 


1627 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3955 


J une 8, 1872 


1278 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3956 


do 


1242 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


8 


3956 


do 


1269 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3957 


do 


1255 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3957 


do 


1275 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3958 


do 


1275 




Do 


XLVI 


8 


3959 


do 


1284 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3960 


do 


1275 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3960 


do 


1287 




Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3961 


do 


1275 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


8 


3961 


do 


1288 




Do 


XLVI 


8 


3962 


do 


1332 




Do 


XLVI 


8 


3963 


do 


1296 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3964 


do 


1153 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3965 


do 


1155 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3966 


do 


1156 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3967 


do 


1238 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3968 


do 


1237 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3969 


do 


1240 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3970 


do 


1241 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3970 


.....do 


1242 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3971 


do 


1239 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3972 


do 


1153 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3973 


do 


1154 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3974 


do 


1160 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3975 


do 


1157 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


S977 


do 


1246 




Do 


....' XLVI 


9 


3978 


do 


1248 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3979 


do 


1621 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3980 


do 


1145 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3981 


do 


1143 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3982 


do 


1136 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3983 


do 


1139 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3984 


do 


1140 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3985 


do 


1141 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3986 


do 


1147 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3987 


do 


1310 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3988 


do 


1146 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3989 


do 


1150 




Do 


XLVI 


9 


3990 


do 


1151 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3991 


do 


1152 




Do 


. . . . XLVI 


9 


3992 


.....do 


1137 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3993 


do 


1138 




Do 


. . . . XLVI 


9 


3994 


Feb. 18,1875 


1159 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3995 


June 8, 1872 


1622 




Do 


.... XLVI 


9 


3996 


do 


1623 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


3997 


do 


1162 




Do 


....; XLVI 


10 


3999 


do 


1170 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4000 


do 


1182 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4001 


do 


1165 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4002 


Mar. 3. 1873 


1162 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4002 


do 


1164 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4002 


do 


1178 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4003 


do 


1178 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4004 


do 


1176 




Do 


.... XLVI 


10 


4005 


do 


1177 


Note. 


Do 


XLVI 


11 


4006 


June 8,1872 


1158 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4007 


do 


1302 




Do 


XLVI 


11 


4008 


do 


1303 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4009 


do 


1306 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4010 


do 


1333 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4011 


do 


1305 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4012 


do 


1308 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4012 


do 


1625 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4013 


do 


1625 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4014 


do 


545 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4015 


do 


537 




Do 


.... XLVI 


11 


4016 


do 


1309 




Do 


....; XLVI 


12 


4017 


do 


35 




Do 


.... XLVI 


12 


4017 


do 


40 


Note. 


Do 


.... XLVI 


12 


4017 


do 


1397 


Note. 


Do 


..*.. XLVI 


12 


4018 


do 


42 




Do 


....; XLVI 


12 


4019 


do 


41 




Do 


....' XLVI 


12 


4020 


do 


35 


Note. 



158 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued, 



Act of Congress. 



Revised Statutes 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do .". 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 



Title. 



XL VI 
XLVI 
XL VI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
XLVI 
LVII 
LVII 

LX 

LX 
LXIV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXV 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 



Chap. 



Sec. Approved. 



4020 
4021 
4022 
4023 
4024 
4025 
4026 
4027 
4028 
4029 
4030 
4031 
4032 
4033 
4034 
40.: 5 
4030 
4037 
4038 
4038 
4039 
4039 
4040 
4040 
4041 
4041 
4042 
4043 
4044 
4045 
4045 
4046 
4046 
4046 
4047 
4048 
4049 
4050 
4051 
4052 
4053 
4054 
4055 
4056 
4057 
4058 
4059 
4060 
4061 
4746 
4747 



June 8,1872 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do....... 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mar. 3, 1875 

June 8,1872 

do 

do 

do 

Feb. 18,1875 

June 8,1872 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mar. 3, 1873 

do 

do 

June 8,1872 
do 

....do 

....do 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Mar. 

....do 



1873 



4961 
5260 
5263 

5264 I 

5265 [ 
5266 
5267 
5268 
5269 
5392 
5413 ! 
5413 
5418 
5438 
5438 I 
5440 I 
5454 ! 
5453 I 
5463 
5464 

5465 j 

5466 ! 
5467 
5468 
5469 I 
5470 

5471 ! 

5472 j 



July 8, 1870 
Mar. 3, 1873 
Feb. 20,1877 
Julv 24,1866 

....do 

June 10,1872 
June 23,1874 
Julv 24,1866 
Feb. 27,1877 
July 12,1876 
Feb. 27,1877 

....do 

Apr. 5,1866 
Mar. 2, 1863 

....do 

Mar. 2,1867 
Feb. 5, 1867 

....do 

June 8, 1872 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 



P.L.& 
R. 



Sec. 



Remarks. 



1396 
1311 
1313 
1312 
1402 
1402 
1149 

965 
1038 

978 
1589 

250 

981 

983 

997 

993 
1035 
1007 

992 
1127 
1021 
1127 
1024 
1036 

499 
1010 
1098 
1099 
1124 
1094 
1116 
1107 
1111 
1571 

967 
77 

167 

114 

373 

346 
1576 

146 

151 

150 

181 

156 

194 

169 

674 

281 

642 

518 

518 
1168 

227 

227 

227 

226 

227 

227 

227 
1259 

142 
1591 
1590 

155 

380 
1594 

155 
1586 
1588 
1586 
1587 
1611 
1604 I 
1606 
1609 
1613 
1607 
1614 



Note. 



Ref. 



Note. 



Note. 



Note. 



Ref. 



Ref. 

Note. 

Ref. 



Note. 
Note. 
Note. 

Note. 

Note. 

Ref. 

Ref. 

Note. 

Ref. 

Note. 

Note. 

Note. 

Note. 



159 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 


Title. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Approved. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 




Sec. 






LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXX 
LXXIII 
LXXIII 


5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
8 
8 


5473 
5474 
5475 
5476 
5477 
5478 
5479 
5480 
5480 
5480 
5483 
5488 
5490 
5491 
5492 
5497 
5497 
5498 
5534 
5535 
5579 
5585 


June 8, 1872 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mar. 3, 1853 
June 14,1866 
Aug. 6, 1846 
July 15,1870 
Mar. 3; 1857 
June 14,1866 

do 

Feb. 26,1853 
June 8,1872 
July 2,1836 
Feb. 27,1877 
Aug. 10,1846 


1615 
1624 
1600 
1601 
1602 
1599 
1590 
46 
502 
1617 
1572 
1577 
1574 
1573 
1575 
1569 
1577 
1598 
1616 
1612 
12 
12 




Do 




Do . 




Do 




Do 




Do... 




Do... 




Do 


Note. 


Do... 


Note. 


Do... 




Do 




Do 


Note. 


Do .. 




Do... 




Do 




Do 


Note. 


Do 




Do... 




Do 




Do 




Do 


Note. 


Do 





Act of Congress. 


I 
Chap. 


Sec. 


Supp. R. S. 


[Stat. L. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 






Vol. 


Page. 


Vol. 


Page. 


Sec. 




1 July, 1862 


120 '. 
130 
130 i 
216 . 
209 . 
209 . 








12 
12 
12 
13 
14 
14 
15 


493 
503 
503 
a56 
208 
208 
346 


1168 

515 

516 

1168 

515 

516 

66 

207 

208 

242 

66 

92 

154 

110 

1258 

1626 

476 

1164 

167 

507 

508 

104 

145 

97 

1568 

1570 

176 

1164 

91 

254 

234 

1166 

136 

416 

1259 

1272 

1273 

1276 

1291 

1627 

26 

67 

512 

1168 

1254 

1255 

1297 

1299 

1242 

1243 


Note. 

Ref. 

Ref. 

Joint res. 

Joint res, 
Ref. 

Ref. 
Ref. 
Ref, 

Note. 
Note. 
Note, 




2 July, 1862 


5 
5 








1862 








1 July, 1864 









23 July, 1866 








1866 .... 








31 Jan., 1868 










5 Mar., 1874 


46 . 
46 . 

57 . 






5 
5 
5 




1874 








18 Mar., 1874 








24 Mar., 1874 


1 


18 
18 


286 
96 




20 June, 1874 


328 . 
328 , 
328 
456 
456 
456 ; 
128 ! 
128 ! 
128 

128 | 

129 . 
129 ! 
130 
144 . 
144 
149 . 
179 
179 1 
179 1 
179 1 
179 
179 ! 
179 ; 
260 . 
260 i. 
260 . 
260 . 
260 . 
260 . 
287 
103 1 
103 I 

96 . 
107 
107 
107 | 
107 
107 

107 : 


1 






1874 


3 1 
5 1 

12 ! 1 

12 


18 
18 
44 
45 
45 
70 
70 
70 
70 




1874 








23 June, 1874 








1874 








1874 


13 
1 
4 










3 Mar., 1875 






1875 






1875 


5 i 1 
7 l 


1 




1875 






1875 


18 | 367 




1875 


3 I 1 

2 ! 1 

i'l 


72 
72 
88 
89 
90 
110 
110 
110 
110 
110 
110 
110 
116 
116 
117 
117 
117 
118 
120 
135 
135 




1875 







1875 






1875 








1875 








12 July, 1876 








1876 


4 
5 

6 
13 











1876 








1876 








1876 








1876 .... 


14 1 
15 








1876 






11 Aug., 1876 


3" 

2-4 
5 










1876 








1876 








1876 








1876 








1876 






15 Aug., 1876 








3 Mar., 1877 








1877 









1 May, 1878 


20 


420 




17 May, 1878 


1 
1 
2 
3 
5 
5 




• 164 
164 
165 
165 
165 
165 




1878 








1878 








1878 








1878 








1878 









160 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 



Chap. 



Sec. 



Supp. R. S. 



Vol. Page. 



Stat. L. 



P.L.& 



Remarks. 



Vol. j Page. [ Sec. 



17 May, 1878 
1878 

14 June, 1878 

17 June, 1878 
1878 
1878 
1878 

17 June, 1878 
1878 
1878 
1878 

19 June, 1878 

20 June, 1878 

1878 
3 Feb., 1879 
1879 
1879 
3 Mar., 1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
1879 
17 May, 1879 
12 June, 1879 
7 Apr., 1880 
11 June, 1880 
. 1880 

1 Mar., 188 

188 
188 
188 
188 
LSS 
188 
1882. 
1882. 
1882. 
31 July, 1882. 

2 Aug., 1882. 

1882. 

3 Aug., 1882. 

1882. 
1882. 
5 Aug., 1882. 
16 Jan., 1883. 
1883. 
1883. 
1883. 



3 Mar., 
20 Dec, 

4 May, 



107 
107 
191 
259 
259 
259 
259 
259 
259 
259 
259 
329 
359 
359 
42 
42 
45 



SO 



20 



206 
206 



96 
96 
96 
130 
1 
116 
116 
116 
361 



373 


4 


373 


4 


379 


1 


379 


1 


379 


2 


389 


4 


27 


6 


27 


6 


27 


7 


27 


11 



S7 



87 
201 
203 
■202 
213 
213 
214 
24.-» 
24.-) 
245 
245 
24.") 
240 
240 
240 
240 
246 
240 
246 
246 
246 
246 
246 
247 ; 
247 
247 
247 
247 
247 
248 
248 
248 
249 
249 
249 
249 
249 
249 
249 
249 
250 
250 
250 
250 
264 
266 
2X0 
296 
290 
319 
319 
319 
319 
319 
320 



338 
339 
362 
363 
363 
372 
372 
372 
374 
395 
395 
395 
395 



















































22 


l 










































:.i 








1269 Note. 
1304 

110 

34 Note. 
40 Note. 

163 

329 

393 

1396 Note. 
1578 
1164 

104 Ref. 
80 
85 
1569 
1577 Note. 

165 
90 

140 

145 
1136 
1415 
1181 
1177 
1202 

410 

413 

415 

422 

427 

452 : Note. 

465 

428 

431 

457 

471 

546 

473 

472 

481 

624 

658 

489 

452 

134 

412 Note. 

421 

616 
1580 
1585 
1278 

261 

138 



1594 
1291 

1288 

35 

140 

38 

1178 

1254 

1396 

1398 

75 

510 

1284 



1301 

1402 

727 

728 

1275 

1286 

1292 

25 

23 

289 

24 

217 I 



Note. 



Ref. 



Note. 



161 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Supp. R. S. 


Stat. L. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 




Vol. 


Page. 


Vol. 


Page. 


Sec. 




16\Tan., 1883 


27 

27 

27 

27 

123 

123 

123 

142 

142 

142 

142 

142 

142 

142 

142 

9 

9 

26 

37 

46 

73 

121 

126 

126 

234 

234 

234 

234 

234 

234 

334 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

342 

561 

569 

611 

901 

901 

901 

901 

901 

901 

901 

901 

901 

14 

14 

14 

314 

346 

359 

388 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

10 

18 

231 

308 


12 
13 
14 
15 

2 

2 

i" 

2 
3 
3 
4 

4 

....... 

23 

3" 

3 
3 





r 

i 

3 
3 

4 
5 
5 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 




396 
396 
396 






218 
219 
220 
221 
286 
66 
77 
255 
309 
396 
257 
256 
259 
255 
256 
1153 
1155 
1595 
105 
207 
455 
1309 
743 
745 
40 
383 
512 
615 
801 
1183 
110 
286 
298 
319 
414 
448 
452 
1244 
1302 
1307 
135 
762 
768 
765 
784 
790 
765 
768 
776 
782 
784 
789 
510 
286 
512 
135 
762 
765 
766 
784 
768 
776 
164 
1578 
709 
726 
726 
516 




1883. 








1883 








1883 


396 
406 
405 
405 
417 
417 
419 
419 








3 Mar., 1883 






Note. 


1883 








1883. . 








3 Mar., 1883. 








1883. 






Note. 


1883 








1883 








1883. 


1 








1883. 




419 
420 








1883... 






Ref. 


1883 


419 
423 
423 
425 

427 








1 Mar., 1884 








1884. 






Note. 


18 Apr., 1884... 








1 May, 1884... 








13 May, 1884 


428 
438 








9 June 1884. 








26 June, 1884. . 


444 
446 
446 
467 
467 






Note. 


27 June, 1884 








1884 








5 July, 1884 






Note. 


1884. . 








1884... 


467 

468 
468 
467 
470 
483 
483 








1884 








1884 









1884 









7 July, 1884. . 








3 Mar., 1885... 






Note. 


1885 








1885 


483 
483 
483 
483 
483 








1885 








1885 








1885 






Note. 


1885 








1885 


23 


387 

387 




1885 






23 


Ref. 


1885 




484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 
484 




1885 






Note. 


1885 






Note. 


1885 






Note. 


1885 






Note. 


1885 








1885... : 






Note. 


1885 






Note. 


1885 






»■ tm 


1885 






Note. 


1885 






Note. 


1885 






we ^ 
Ref. 


28 June, 1886 


24 


819 


29 June, 1886 


i' 

1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
2 
3 
3 
1 
2 
3 
4 

3' 

"T 
i 
i 
i 

2 
2 




499 
500 
511 
511 
512 
512 
512 
512 
512 
512 
512 
518 
519. 
519 
551 
557 
560 
567 
577 
577 
578 
578 
578 
579 
581 
585 
587 


Note. 


2 July, 1886 








4 Aug., 1886 








1886 








1886 






j 


1886 








1886 






i 


1886 






i 


1886 






Note 


1886 








1886 








3 Jan., 1887 








1887 








1887 








2 Mar., 1887 








3 Mar., 1887 






1219 




1887 






159 
719 
462 
478 
484 
491 
483 
1614 
1396 
204 
746 




1887 








20 Jan. , 1888 








1888 








1888 








1888 








1888 








15 Feb.. 1888 






Note. 


29 Feb., 1888 








9M&Y, 1888 








24Mav, 1888 









6300—07- 



-11 



162 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Supp. R. S. 


Stat. L. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 




Vol. 


Page. 


Vol. 


Page. 


Sec. 




18 June, 1888 . . : 


394 

394 

702 

702 

787 

866 

866 

1039 

1039 

50 

100 

171 

374 

374 

374 

374 

393 

393 

323 

393 

393 

393 

393 

393 

85 

85 

667 

820 

820 

837 

841 

908 

908 

908 

1123 

1126 

1260 

1260 

519 

519 

541 

541 

547 

547 

565 

147 

165 

249 

249 

249 

41 

6 

17 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

21 

22 

61 

137 

137 

137 

137 

174 

474 

174 

174 


2 




593 
593 
600 






1593 

1588 
317 
482 
180 
178 

1562 
497 
498 
772 

1038 
75 
66 
287 
288 
291 




1888 








24 July, 1888 






Note. 


1888. 


25 


347 




8 Aug. , 1888 ^ 


2 

2 

3 

i" 

1 

2 
2 
3 
4 
5 

2 

1 
1 
4 
3 

2 

3 




605 

611 
611 
621 
621 
638 
638 
644 
682 
680 
682 
682 
694 
694 




13 Aug., 1888 






Ref. 


1888 






Ref. 


26 Sept. ,1888 








1888. . 








16 Jan., 1889 








30 Jan., 1889 








16 Feb., 1889 








2 Mar., 1889 








1889 








1889 








1889 








1889 






46 Note. 


1889 






502 j Note. 


1889 


1 | 694 
1 | 694 






1617 1 


1889 






504 Note. 


1889 




694 
695 
695 
695 
715 
715 
773 
791 
791 
794 
799 
803 
804 
804 
810 
811 
878 
878 
905 
905 
927 
926 
932 
932 
951 






1617 

504 

502 

504 

1396 

' 1398 

93 

209 

210 

98 

515 

499 

503 

1010 

1272 

167 

300 

1395 

1305 

1307 

3 

22 

149 

34 

518 

226 

1203 

1255 

1275 

1293 

720 

67 

119 

1037 

981 

260 

286 

967 

1038 

1043 

1035 

1132 

1127 

983 

1124 

997 

965 

1024 

1035 

1036 

72 

72 

429 

82 

1035 

1133 

213 

5 

160 

171 




1889 








1889. . 








1889. . 








16 Apr., 1890 






Note. 


1890 








11 July, 1890 








29 Aug., 1890 








1890 . .. . 








80 Aug., 1890. . 






Ref. 


1890. 








19 Sept., 1890... 








1890 








1890...-. 








30 Sept. ,1890 






Note. 


1890 






Ref. 


1 Oct., 1890 








1890 








3 Mar., 1891. 






Note. 


1891 . . . 








1891 ... 








1891 






Ref. 


1891 








1891. 






Note. 


1891 






Ref. 


5 July, 1892. 


27 


82 


Ref. 


13 July, 1892. . 


5 

i" 

i" 

9 
p 

3 

3 
3 
3 

4 
4 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
11 
11 

2 

4 
4 
2 
3 

7 
8 


2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 

I 

2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 


34 
47 
47 
48 
76 
165 
166 
166 
166 
167 
167 
167 
167 
167 
168 
167 
168 
168 
168 
168 
168 
169 
169 
169 
169 
180 
196 
196 
i 196 
196 
212 
212 
214 
215 




26 July, 1892... 








1892 






Note 


1892 








23 Jan. , 18«3 








21 Dec, 1893 








22 Jan., 1894 








27 Jan. , 1894 








1894.. 








1894. . 








IgC/l 








1894 








1894 








1894. 






Note. 


1894. 








1894. 








1894... 








1894 








1894 








1894 








1894.: 






Note. 


1894 








1894 






Note. 


1894 








1894 








21 April, 1894. . 








16 July, 1894. 








1894. 








1894 








1894 








31 July, 1894 








1894. 








1894 








1894 


1 







163 

Reference index to the Revised Statutes and Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued, 



Act of Congress. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Supp 


.U.S. 


Stat. L. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 




Vol. 


Page. 


Vol. 


Page. 


Sec' 




31 July, 1894 


174 
174 
282 
301 
319 
23 
23 
23 
23 
23 
140 
177 
177 
177 
191 
191 
191 
191 
191 
191 
191 
191 
33 
140 
252 
252 
252 
370 
370 
370 
386 
386 
386 
386 
424 
172 
268 
340 
385 
385 
385 
385 
385 
385 
385 
11 
11 
11 
11 
68 
68 
68 
68 
68 
347 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
446 
571 
578 
187 
187 
187 
327 
327 
327 
327 
327 
327 
327 
362 
419 
419 


8 
12 

73' 

73 

85 
96 
96 

..... 

5 
1 
1 
2 
2 
2 
2 
3 
4 

zi 



par. 403 
16 
17 

7" 

7 
7 
9 


2 
2 
2 

2 

2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 


215 
217 
237 
257 
264 






172 

98 

88 

512 

281 

83 

89 

506 

79 

136 

1416 

66 

87 

245 

1010 

1620 

497 

499 

503 

1010 




1894. . 






Ref. 


13 Aug., 1894... 


| 


Ref. 


18 Aug. , 1894 






23 Aug. , 1894 






12 Jan. , 1895 


356 
356 
362 
364 
364 
392 
417 
418 
419 
435 
435 
435 
435 
435 
435 
435 
436 
448 
459 
477 
478 
477 
507 
507 
507 
510 
510 
509 
510 
528 
547 
558 
564 
598 
598 
598 
599 
599 
598 
598 
642 
687 
687 
708 
735 
736 






1895 




Ref. 


12 Jan., 1895 






1895 






1895. . 






28 Feb., 1895. . 






2 Mar., 1895... 






1895 






1895 


1 "■ 




1895 




Note. 


1895 


1 




1895 




Note. 


1895 




Note. 


1895 




Note. 


1895 




Note. 


1895 




499 I Note. 


1895. . 




503 1 


26 Feb., 1896 




173 1 Ref. 


25 Apr., 1896 




11611 

66 1 


28Mav, 1896 




1896 • 


........ ....... 


119 ! Ref. 


1896 




28 i 


8 June, 1896 


:::::■;:::::::: 


480 I 


1896. . 




487 1 


1896. . 




658 Note. 


9 June, 1896 




145 1 


1896 




230 ! 


1896 


1 


233 


1896 




1204 i 


11 June, 1896 




204 


8 Feb., 1897 




1618 1 


20 Feb., 1897 




512 


27 Feb., 4897 




899 1 


3 Mar., 1897 




35 1 Note. 


1897 


.............. 


89 i 


1897 




145 


1897 .• 


1 


1035 


1897 




1133 


1897 




1396 Note. 


1897 




1397 ; Note. 


24 July, 1897 




546 ! Note. 


1897 




699 ! Ref. 


1897 




700 Ref. 


1897 




1619 
104 
31 
32 
95 
29 
417 
40 




15 Mar., 1898 


i 




1898. . .. 






1898 


737 
737 
738 
766 






1898 






1898 






19lMav, 1898 






13"June, 1898 


30 | 444 


Note. 


1898 




2" 

2 

I 

4" 

4 


2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 


778 
778 
778 
778 
778 
778 
778 
779 
779 
882 
886 
946 
946 
946 


257 Note. 


1898 




301 

451 

509 

1592 

1267 

1323 

312 

485 

32» 

281 

8 

27 

32 

34 

40 

785 

1167 

979 

981 


Note. 


1898 






1898 








1898 








1898 








1898 








1898 








1898 








7 July, 1898 








1898 




Ref. 


24 Feb., 1899 








1899 








1899. . 








TMar., 1899. . 


30 


965 


Note. 


1899 


3' 

5 
5 
5 

27 

27 


2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 


958 
958 
958 
959 
959 
959 
965 
986 
986 


Note. 


1899 






Note. 


1899 








1899. 








1899. . 








1899 






997 1 Note. 


2 Mar., 1899 






475 1 


3 Mar., 1899 






513 


1899 






801 1 



164 



Reference index to the Revised Statutes ana Statutes of the United States, etc. — Continued. 



Act of Congress. 


Chap. 


Sec. 


Supp. R. S. 


Stat. L. 


P.L.& 
R. 


Remarks. 




Vol. 


Page. 


Vol. 


Page. 


Sec. 




17 Apr., 1900 . 


192 
613 
613 
613 
613 
613 
801 
809 
■ 830 
830 








31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 

31 • 

31 

31 


134 

260 

260 

260 

260 

259 

660 

951 

1003 

1004 

1004 

1003 

1009 

1009 

1103 


107 

34 

40 

765 

785 

1397 

430 

225 

6 

10 

19 

97 

145 

107 

6 

9 

34 

37 

40 

143 

287 

288 

301 

317 

319 

321 

444 

785 

1205 

1318 

1396 

1397 


Note. 


2 June, 1900. . 








Note. 


1900 








Note. 


1900 










1900 








Note. 


1900 








Note. 


6 June, 1900. 










2 Mar., 1901 


3 








3 Mar., 1901 






Ref. 


1901 








Note. 


1901 


830 










1901 830 








Ref. 


1901 830 










1901 1 830 


4 








1901 


851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 
851 






Ref. 


1901 








31 1103 
31 1 1107 
31 1106 
31 | 1107 
31 1106 
31 ! 1102 
31 ; 1099 
31 1 1102 
31 j 1102 
31 i 1102 
31 ! 1103 
31 1107 
31 1106 


Note. 


1901 










1901 








Note. 


1901 










1901 








Note. 


1901 








Note. 


1901 








Note. 


1901 








Note. 


1901 










1901 








Note. 


1901 










1901 










1901 






Note. 


1901 






31 1105 
31 1106 


Ref. 


1901 










1901 








31 1104 
31 ! 1105 
31 | 1105 
31 1105 
31 1105 
31 1105 
31 1 1107 




1901 










1901 








1398 i 


1901 








1399 


1901 








1402 | Note. 


1901 








1418 i 


1901 


2 






153 








1 









INDEX. 



A. 

Page. 

Ability, pecuniary, of bidder for carrying mail 64 

Abolition of free-delivery service 100 

Abortion — 

information for procuring -, — 104 

matter relative to procuring, nonmailable, penalty 69, TO 

Absence — 

account of sickness 128 

annual leave, exclusive of Sundays and holidays 131 

bureau officer, duties performed by whom : 13 

clerk on other than annual leave, substitute 141 

on leave 128 

clerks in post-offices 113 

employees in mail-bag repair shops' 113 

postmaster, performance of his duties 49 

Postmaster-General, duties performed by whom 13 

postal clerks with pay 136 

rural carriers on leave 146 

without pay 128 

Abuse of Post-Office Establishment in schemes to defraud 60,110 

Acceptance — 

by banks of unlawful deposits, penalty 11 

of new sureties on mail contracts 38 

of postmasters' bonds by First Assistant Postmaster-General 77 

of postmasters' new bonds, old sureties released 25 

written, filed by telegraph companies 12 

Accepting fee for procuring contract or office, penalty for Member of 

Congress or officer 9 

Accessory- 
assaulting letter carrier 28 

embezzlement of United States property, penalty . 67 

injuring letter boxes ^ 28 

robbing the mail, penalty 60 

stealing mail matter 4 

Accident preventing exhibition of vouchers for credits in suits 4 

Accommodation of postal clerks, ocean mail service 115 

Accountability of postmasters for stamps and stamped envelopes 33 

Accounting — 

for postage due 85 

for second-class postage . 129 

officers, penalty for failure to deposit public moneys 8 

officers to report balance due from officers in arrears 4 

Accounts — 

Auditor to show itemized expenditures 67 

expenses of letter carriers, etc., separate • 29 

failure to render, penalty 16 

manner and form prescribed by Postmaster-General 76 

money-order, kept separately and to show what 17 

neglect of postmasters to render, penalty . 26,27 

oaths in settlement 17 

of inspectors, etc., include sums advanced 53 

of late postmaster adjusted or settled, no demand to be made 14 

of money-order business 51, 119 

(165) 



166 

Page. 
Accounts — Continued. 

of " money-order funds " kept by United States assistant treasurer 51 

of postal funds kept by depositaries 6 

of postal service, etc., auditing 121 

of postal service, to show what 51,52 

of postmasters, delinquencies reported 66 

preserved two years 54 

of proceeds of dead letters 37 

of United States settled by Treasury Department 3 

orders affecting, certified to Auditor 20 

postal, audited and preserved 65 

postmasters, deficiencies reported 81 

quarterly return 26 

sworn statement required 79 

sworn to 26 

to attach advices of repaid money orders 119 

prompt rendition enforced by Postmaster-General 76 

sales of useless department property 19 

settled by Auditor, appeal to Comptroller 16 

settlement in Court of Claims 100 

unsettled, action in Court of Claims 101 

Accusation, United States interested, penalty for officer receiving compen- 
sation for services 10 

Acknowledgments, before whom taken 7 

Acting as agent in claims against United States, penalty for officer 7 

Acting Auditor during absence of Auditor 115 

Acting officers — 

named by President, when 13 

of Bureaus 13 

of Department 13 

receive no extra compensation 5 

Acting Postmaster-General, who may be 150 

Acting postmasters, compensation 86 

Action — 

of Congress on report of useless papers 106 

debt on bidder's bond — 

failure to execute contract for carrying mail 64 

failure to perform service, carrying mail 64 

Post-Office Department, foreign dead mail matter 20 

Action on bond, failure of postmaster to render accounts 27 

Action on the case, recovery, of additional cost on failure of bidder or 

contractor for carrying mail 72 

Action, right of, for breach of contract, reserved to United States 9 

Additional allowance for extra services not performed, recovery 54 

Additional carriers employed in expediting the mails, compensation 38 

Additional charge for advertising nondelivered letters 36 

Additiona 1 compensation — 

as acting officer forbidden 5 

for expediting the mail 38 

Additional expenditures included in annual estimates to be explained 8 

Additional mail routes established, report to Congress 21 

Additional pay — 

for extended service on mail routes 89 

for railway post-office lines 149 

to officers forbidden 5 

to railroads ' 61 

Additional postage on matter with unlawful inclosures 102 

Additional service — 

carrying the mail, compensation 38 

on mail routes, compensation 89 

Additional stock employed in expediting the mail, compensation-' 38 

Additions — 

on second-class matter, what permissible 101 

on third-class matter 102 

permissible to fourth-class matter 102 

Address, false, etc., use in unlawful business^ 110 



167 

Page. 

Address labels on postal cards 71 

Address on mail matter.- what included 102 

Addressee give receipt for registered matter 35 

Addressees of fictitious matter, identification 110 

Addresses on postal cards : 71 

Adjoining countries, transportation of mail through United States 45 

Adjusted account of late postmaster, no demand to be made 14 

Adjustment — 

compensation, fourth-class postmasters 94 

on railroad routes 148 

to railroads 61 

postmasters' accounts, deficiency, etc 81 

postmasters' salaries 94 

Administering oaths, clerks as notary public, no fee 11] 

Administration of oaths in settlement of accounts, by whom 17 

Admissible as evidence — 

certified money-order transcripts 14 

certified quarterly returns of postmasters 14 

Adoption of uniform canceling ink 80 

Advance of public money forbidden 3 

Advancement — 

fourth-class offices to higher class 95 

of clerks and carriers 147 

of post-office clerks 109 

Advances — 

to disbursing officers 3 

inspectors, etc 53 

Advertised letters, additional charge 36 

Advertised matter, posting list 36 

Advertisements — 

evidence of agency in lottery, etc., schemes 112 

for carrying mail, unnecessary, when 74 

for mail contracts 88 

for proposals 63, 120 

in likeness of obligations of United States 12 

in periodicals 83 

of fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

of mail route, amount of bond designated 64 

of lottery, not to be circulated by interstate commerce, etc 124 

unmailable 111 

of obscene matter, etc., nonmailable, penalty 69,70,104 

on obligations of United States, penalty for placing 12 

proposals for money-order blanks, etc 92 

proposals, ocean mail service 113 

return request letters 37 

transportation of the mails 116 

Advertising — 

authority . 15 

by Purchasing Agent for bids 140 

foreign nondelivered letters 35 

for proposals, carrying mail between United States and foreign 

countries 45 

carrying mail, domestic water routes 79 

included in annual estimates 23 

matter not permissible in periodicals of State departments of agri- 
culture 132 

on envelopes i 123 

nondelivered letters, compensation _ : 36 

in newspapers, etc 35 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

rates 80 

unlawful, that vehicle is used for carrying mail 41 

unnecessary, contracts with railroads for carrying mail 37 

Advices — 

of money orders issued 50 

of repaid money orders, attached to accounts 119 

unpaid money orders, disposition 118 



, 168 

Page. 
Affidavits — 

accompany postmasters* accounts 79 

altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States, penalty-^ 59 

of disallowed claims, grounds for continuance in postal suits 4 

with application for warrant of attachment 11 

Affixing addresses to postal cards 71 

Agencies in foreign countries, report to Congress 22 

Agency — 

evidence, lottery schemes, etc 113 

for blanks at Washington, D. C, established 20 

in China or Japan, expenses 48 

in fraudulent schemes, etc., how ascertained 113 

in lottery schemes; evidence, public advertisement 112 

Agents- — 

confidential, names not required in estimates 23 

employees not to act for contractors 21 

for lotteries, postmasters not to be 27 

in foreign ports 47 

in prosecution of claims against United States, penalty for officers 

acting as 7 

(mail) on ocean steamers, compensation 48 

of contractors, delinquencies reported by postmasters 27 

of Department, debts due from defaulting, attachment issued, when__ 10 

seize or detain letters, etc., illegally carried 43 

special, give bonds, when S 

Agreeing to give fee to officer procuring contract or office, penalty 9 

Agreeing to receive compensation for services in United States matters, 

officer 10 

Agricultural bulletins, etc., mailed free 100 

Agricultural college reports transmitted free 9 

Agricultural reports mailed free, by whom 67 

Agriculture, periodicals issued by State departments 132 

Aiding — 

in altering, forging, etc., money order, penalty 55 

in assaulting postal clerk 138 

in circulating obscene matter, penalty for officer 128 

in injuring mail in letter boxes, etc., penalty 55 

in prosecution of claims against United States, penalty for officers 7 

in stealing mail key, penalty 58 

to procure contract, penalty for officer receiving fee for 9 

Allowance of claims for credit in suits for delinquency 4 

Allowance of postmasters' claims for losses • 102 

Allowances — 

clerical assistance, unusual business in post-office 28 

clerk-hire at distributing offices 68, 139 

at money-order offices 118 

include all clerical services 118 

limitation, third-class post-offices 127 

miscellaneous items expended without specific authority, when 134 

per diem inspectors in the field 147 

post-office inspectors* , 146 

rent, light, and fuel at third-class post-offices ' 149 

Allotments of appropriations to prevent deficiencies 142 

Altering bonds, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

Alteration — 

of distribution of clerks 7 

of money-orders 103 

Amount — 

due claimant, withheld, in settlement of claims, etc., against United 

States 68 

due on accounts, how determined 101 

of fines of contractors for foreign mails 45 

of funds, stamps, etc., lost by burglary, etc., ascertained 103 

of indemnity paid for loss of registered mail 138' 

of money-orders, limited 66 

of outstanding appropriations, designated in annual estimates t 8 

required for new items in estimates of expenditures 8 



169 

Page. 

Annual compensation, hot to receive pay in addition to 7 

Annual estimates — 

furnished to Secretary of Treasury ., 22,133 

new items to be explained 8 

printing and binding 16 

, report of employees' efficiency 111 

reported to Congress by Secretary of Treasury 22 

to Congress, expenses money-order service 126 

Annual leave of absence 128 

exclusive of Sundays and holidays ,. 131,148 

Annual leave of rural carriers 146, 147 

Annual reports — 

of Auditor financial condition of Post-Offiee Department 71 

printing 123 

to Congress, claim for losses, action thereon 103 

financial condition Post-Office Department 71 

Postmaster-General 21 

revenues and expenditures 146 

when submitted _ 62 

Annual vacation of railway postal clerks with pay 136 

Annulment — 

of contract, cause by assignment or transfer 9 

of contracts unlawfully procured 9 

of mail contracts illegally sublet 78 

of second-class privileges 137 

Appeal — 

to Comptroller,, settlement of accounts by Auditor i 16 

to Supreme Court, action for settlement of accounts 101 

Appliance for canceling stamps 80 

Applicant for warrant of attachment, to make affidavit 11 

Applications — 

for money orders, blank forms supplied 119 

contain what 49 

for new money order for invalid 65 

for subpoena, claims against United States 16 

for warrant of attachment, to whom and by whom made 11 

of payments after new bond of postmaster 25 

Appointment Clerk, Post-Office Department 133,143 

Appointment Division, Chief '__ 134 

Appointments — 

Assistant Postmasters-General 76 

city carriers 89 

' examinations for 91 

postal clerks 48 

Postmaster-General 18 

postmasters 68, 71 

postmasters' successors 25 

post-office inspectors in charge 137 

soldiers and sailors 11 

substitute letter carriers 89 

Apportionment of appropriations 142 

Appropriating post-office property to improper use, penalty 58 

Appropriations — , 

accounts of Auditor to show expenditures under each item 67 

additional pay to officers 5 

adequate for purchase or contract 8 

applied to objects for which made 12 

Auditor's report of postmasters' disbursements 17 

claims for losses exceeding $2,000 103 

contingent expenses 142 

contingent fund not expended for clerical services 15 

departmental employees, restrictions 90 

exhausted, claims under 79 

expended only for objects specified 142 

expenditures not to exceed 15 

expenses of postal service, estimates 23 

foreign and inland postal service 97 



170 

Page. 
Appropriations — Continued. 

increase asked in annual estimates, to-be explained 8 

inland mail transportation, expenses of weighing mails paid from 66 

new items, asked for in annual estimates, to be explained 8 

not available for compensation to incapacitated persons 133, 136 

outstanding, amount designated in annual estimates „ 8 

payments by warrant, charged : 24 

payments of invalid money orders 119 

payment of losses exceeding $10,000, special 126 

payment of temporary clerks and carriers 149 

payments to telegraph companies, restrictions 60 

permanent or indefinite 15 

postal revenues for postal expenses 53 

postmasters' payments charged- "_ 20 

post-office inspectors 87 

post-route maps 133 

printing and binding 16 

restrictions on illustrations 141 

printing not to be in excess 123 

salaries, railway mail officials 145 

transportation of mail, mail agents in foreign ports paid 47 

pay of mail agents on ocean steamers _ 48 

postal clerks paid _ 48 

unexpended balances, carried to surplus fund 63 

how applied 15 

Approval — 

of bidder's bond, carrying mail, penalty for unlawful 64 

of bonds of disbursing officers 8 

of new bonds 142 

of postmasters' bonds by First Assistant Postmaster-General 77 

of roster of clerks in post-offices 109 

Arrest, United States interested, penalty for officer receiving compensa- 
tion for services in 10 

Arrival — 

and departure of mails, destruction of registers 130 

at port, treatment of ship letters 41 

of foreign vessels carrying mail 47 

of mails, registers 26 

Articles — 

excluded from the mails 69 

purchased from contingent fund : 6 

stolen from the mails, penalty for receiving 57 

Artifice to defraud, penalty 59, 109 

Aspinwall, mail agency 47 

Assaulting — 

letter carrier, penalty 2*8 

mail carrier, penalty 58 

postal clerk on duty, penalty 138 

Assignment — 

of clerks *_ 125 

of contract, or interest therein, forbidden 9 

of mail contract by contractor, prohibited 39 

of postal -clerks, preference 145 

Assistant Attorney-General — 

appointment 18 

office 133 

salary 18 

Assistant Attorneys, Post-Office Department 133,143 

Assistant carpenter, Post-Office Department, salary 18 

Assistant cashiers, salaries at first-class post-offices 106 

Assistant district attorney make application for warrant of attachment 11 

Assistant division superintendents, railway mail service 135 

Asistant engineer, Post-Office Department, salary 18 

Assistant general superintendent, railway mail service 135 



171 

Page. 

Assistant Postmasters-General — 

appointment 76 

as special agents 47 

compensation 76 

removal ., 76 

term of office 76 

Assistant postmasters — 

false returns, special-delivery business 99 

issuing money orders unlawfully 104 

not to be contractor, etc 27 

salaries at first-class post-offices L 106 

Assistant Superintendent — 

Division of City Delivery 143 

Foreign Mails 143 

Railway Adjustment and Law Clerk 143 

Salaries and Allowances i 143 

Assistant superintendents — 

money-order divisions, salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

of delivery, salaries at first-class post-offices . 107 

of free delivery, per diem 131 

of mails, salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

of registry, salaries at first-class post-offices . 107 

railway mail service, appointment, etc 128,135 

per diem 139 

registry system, expenses 135 

salary and allowance division, expenses 135 

Assistant topographer 144 

Assistant treasurer, postal revenues deposited by postmasters 27 

Assisting — 

in assault on postal clerk 138 

In forging mail key, etc., penalty 59 

in injuring mail in letter boxes, penalty 55 

in prosecution of claims against United States, penalty for officer 7 

in stealing mail key, penalty 58 

Assorters, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices i 109 

Assumed names, etc., unlawful business 110 

Assuming fictitious names, unlawful business 110 

Attachment — 

application for warrant of, to whom and by whom made 11 

warrant of, in postal suits, when issued 10 

Attempt — 

to break into post-office, penalty 59 

to defraud the Government, oaths to witnesses in investigations 14 

to pass forged money order, penalty 55 

Attempting to rob the mail, penalty 58 

Attorney in prosecution of claims against United States, penalty for 

officer acting as 7 

Auditing postal accounts 65,121 

Auditor — 

accounts to show expenditures of Post-Office Department 67 

adjust postmasters' accounts, special delivery business 99 

administer oaths to witnesses 17 

certified quarterly statement of postmasters' payments 20 

Chicago, 111., post-office 134 

claim for credit disallowed by, in suits against delinquent officers 4 

close postal account quarterly 65 

compromise judgments due Post-Office Department 17 

compromises, etc l 21 

countersign warrants in payment of invalid money orders 119 

countersign, etc., warrants of Postmaster-General 66 

disallowance of claim by, grounds for continuance in postal suits, 

when 4 



172 

Page. 
Auditor — Continued. 

duplicate mail contract delivered 20 

enforce payment of debts due Post-Office Department 16 

examine accounts of postal service 121 

for Post-Office Department, appointed by President 65 

duties 65, 66 

keep money-order accounts separately 17 

money-order transcript as evidence when certified by 14 

New York, N. Y., post-office, salary ■ 108 

notified, appointment and removal of postmasters 71 

change of postmaster 25 

changes in postmasters' salaries 95 

mail contracts sublet : 78 

post-offices discontinued 28 

post-offices established 21 

notify Postmaster-General of postmasters' deficiencies 81 

orders affecting postal accounts, certified 20 

original receipt for deposit of postal revenues 117 

pay subcontractor, carrying mail 7S 

payments to be on certificate 53 

postmasters' quarterly returns as evidence when certified by 14 

preserve accounts and vouchers 65 

quarterly report of postmasters' disbursements 17 

register and countersign warrant for payment of postal expenses 24 

reports of financial condition of Post-Office Department--^ 71 

reports to Postmaster-General 66 

returns of marshal to 4 

settle postal accounts 65 

statements from postmasters of money orders unpaid one year 118 

superintend collections, debts due Post-Office Department 16 

title changed 121 

vouchers submitted by postmasters 28 

Auditor's certificates of balances, revised by Comptroller 122 

Auditors, deputy, duties 115 

Authority — 

for contract or purchase 8 

for delivery of mail locks and keys 59 

for employment, mail messenger service - 100 

for establishment, ocean mail service 113 

for estimates for compensation 8 

for extending contracts for carrying mail 72 

for extra compensation as acting officer 5 

for extra compensation to officers 5 

for illustrations in documents 141 

for making searches 48 

for opening letters 110 

for paying expenses of weighing mails 66 

for publishing advertisements, proposals, etc 15 

for sale of useless papers 106 

Authority of postmasters to pay miscellaneous items 134 

Authority, special, for printing postage stamps, etc 55 

Authority — 

to administer oaths in investigations 14 

to administer oaths of office 8 

to deliver postage stamps, etc 55 

to search for mailable matter on foreign vessels 46 

Authorization for public printing | 123 

Authorization of private mailing cards 129 

Authorized by Congress, printing of books 141 

Auxiliary employees in post-offices 148 

Average weight, mails carried on railroads 61 

Award of contract for carrying mail — 

penalty for failure to execute contract 1 73 

to lowest bidder 37 



173 

B. 

Page. 

Badge or cap worn by postal clerks 81 

Balances — 

certified by Auditor 121,122 

final and conclusive, except J22 

revision by Comptroller * 122 

due from postmasters — 

evidence in suits 14 

transferred in payment to contractors 53 

due Post-Office Department, interest recovered in all suits 4 

for foreign countries, postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

1k*w paid when claimant obtains judgment against United States 6S 

manner of paying, directed by Postmaster-General 76 

metric system, furnished exchange offices-^ 29 

of appropriations — 

how applied 15 

carried to surplus fund, when 15,63 

on postal accounts, certified to Postmaster-General 65 

Baltimore — Advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Bankers not to receive unauthorized deposits 11 

Benevolent society publications, second-class matter 120 

Betterment of postal arrangements with foreign countries 19 

Bid of previous failing contractor not considered 38 

Bidder, contracts for carrying mail awarded to lowest 37 

Bidders, failing, carrying mail, temporary service 316 

Bidders — 

for carrying mail — 

failure to execute contract, penalty, etc 73.74.75 

oath of pecuniary ability ' 72 

proceedings on failure 72 

may be present at opening of bids 12 

may examine bids 140 

notified of opening of bids 12 

Bidders bond, carrying mail, penalty for unlawful approval (34 

Bids- 
altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

bidders notified of opening T 12 

carrying the mails- 
delivered, opened, recorded, preserved, etc 37 

inspected by Purchasing Agent 140 

recorded 12 

rejected, cfcean mail service 113 

Bill for advertising, etc., when paid 15 

Binding — 

done at Government Printing Office 13 

. estimates 16 

written requisition * 16 

Blank agency at Washington. D. C, established 20 

Blank applications for money order, supplied 49 

Blank books — 

furnished on written requisition 16 

made at Government Printing Office 13 

Blank forms, etc., money-order service 92 

Blind, books for 141 

Board to consider proposals 120 

Bond Division, chief of 134 

Bond of purchasing agent ^ 139 

Bond of superintendent, postal finance 139 

Bonds — 

accounts settled in the Court of Claims . 100 

action for failure of postmaster to render accounts 27 

altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

bidders for carrying mail, justification of sureties 73 

carriers, renewal 142 



174 

Page. 
Bonds — Continued. 

contractors, subletting mail contract 88 

disbursing officers : 8 

in name of United States i 20 

inspectors ■_ 47 

letter carriers 28 

married women appointed postmasters 24 

of clerks, renewal 142 

officers in arrears, suit on 4 

official, examination ' 123 

postmasters' 24 

acceptance, signed by First Assistant Postmaster-General «, 77 

approval 77, 117 

cover acts of employees, when 49 

delivered to Auditor, wben : ._ 24 

failure to render accounts, action 27 

liability 124 

renewal 25, 142 

sureties released 25 

postal employees, renewal 142 

proposals for carrying mail 64 

renewal of official ^ 124 

suits against postmasters, limited to tbree years 25 

Bondsmen — 

liable for damage from subletting mail contracts 78 

notified of postmasters' deficiencies 81 

responsibility 142 

Book of Estimates, include annual estimates of Post-Office Department 133 

Bookkeepers, salaries at first-class post-offices 100 

Books- 
authority for printing 142 

blank, to be made at Government Printing Office 13 

circulated by order of Congress, limit of weight 66 

customs duty collected > 84 

pamphlets, etc., for the blind 141 

printed by Department restricted 141 

third-class mail matter 68,83 

Boston, advertisement ocean mail service 113 

Bounty, additional, forbidden, ocean mail service-: 115 

Boxes for collection of mail not placed inside buildings, except 101 

Box-rents receipts, records kept by postmaster 26 

Box rents — 

collected, fourth-class postmasters 94 

obxes erected by patrons 53 

postal accounts to show revenue received 51 

Branches of postal agencies in China and Japan, expenses 48 

Branch post-offices — 

establishment, limitations 29, 125 

expenses reported separately 29 

issue of money orders 49 

Breach of contract, right of action for, reserved to United States 9 

Breaking bulk before delivering letters, penalty , 43 

Breaking into post-office, penalty 59 

Breaking staple of mail pouch, penalty 58 

Bringing postal deposits into Treasury 20 

Broker not to receive unauthorized deposits 11 

Building to be searched, when, by whom : 48 

Buildings, letter boxes not placed -inside certain 101 

Bulbs, seeds, plants, etc., rate of postage 104 

Bulletins — 

agricultural experiment stations, mailed free 100 

boards of health, second-class matter 121 

Bureaus, acting officers i— . 13 

Bureau of Printing and Engraving, estimates for money-order blanks 92 

Burglary of post-offices — 

penalty l 59 

claims for losses 102 



175 

Page. 

Burning of post-offices, claims for losses 102 

Business address on envelopes furnished by Government 123 

Business card in likeness of obligations of United States 12 

Business card on obligations of United States, penalty for placing 12 

Business of departments, reports of condition 129 

Business, report of condition to President 129 

Business scheme, unlawful, fictitious order 110 

Buying articles stolen from the mails 57 

C. 

Cable-car service, rate of compensation 150 

Cable cars transporting mail, rate of compensation 127 

Cadets, ocean mail vessels 115 

Canals, post-roads 39 

Canceling ink, uniform, used in all post-offices 80,81 

Canceling marks removed from stamps, penalty 34,85 

Cancellation of certificate of entry of second-class matter 137 

Cap worn by postal clerks 81 

Captain of the watch, salary ^ 18 

Cards, postal, rate of postage, regulations, etc 33 

Care of public moneys 6,27 

Cargo, letters relating to, transmitted 42 

Carpenter, Post-Office Department, salary 18 

Carpenters, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Carriage by vessels of mail not received from post-office, forbidden 42 

Carriers — 

acting or substitute .__ 149 

additional, employed for expediting mail 38 

city service, graded 147 

delinquency reported by postmaster 27 

expenses, etc., reported separately 29 

fees prohibited .* 29 

illegal carrying of mail 41 

new bonds 142 

receive and deposit mail matter 41 

restored to former grade 147 

rural delivery, substitutes 137 

leave of absence with pay 146 

uniforms . 28 

Carrying letters outside the mail illegal 42,43 

Carrying merchandise, by rural carriers 140 

Carrying ship letters, compensation 41 

Carrying the mails — 

additional service, compensation 38 

between United States and foreign countries 45 

bid of previous failing contractor, not considered 38 

bids recorded and preserved 37 

bonds with proposals 64 

change in terms of contract 38 

compensation to railroads reduced 80 

contracts annulled, when : 38 

awarded to lowest bidder 37 

in name of United States 37 

limited to four years 38 

release of sureties 86 

sublet 88 

with railroads without advertising 37 

domestic water routes 79 

duplicate contract to Auditor 20 

expedition when authorized, compensation 38 

failure of bidder to execute contract 64, 73 

-foreign, contracts limited 79 

from and to post-offices, contracts 40 

justification of sureties on bidders' bonds 73 

mail-messenger service 100 

oath of pecuniary ability of bidder 72 



176 

Page. 
Carrying the mails — Continued. 

ocean mail service ' . 113 

on any train 44 

on canals, contracts 39 

on foreign vessels, postage paid ^ r 47 

on land-grant roads, compensation 71 

on plank roads, etc., contracts i 39 

on steamboats, etc., compensation, contracts, delivery, etc 40 

payments on contract begin 38 

penalty for unlawful approval of bidder's bond 64 

postmasters and clerks not interested in contracts 27 

private express forbidden, except 81 

proceedings on failure of bidder or contractor 72 

proposals delivered, opened, etc : 37 

without bonds not considered 64 

record of proposals 130 

recovery of additional cost on failure of bidder or contractor 72 

report to Congress of additional allowances to contractors 22 

route readvertised when 74 

through foreign countries, revocation of contract 45 

to county seat 39 

what trains ' 82 

written guarantee to accompany proposals 72 

Carrying on fraudulent schemes, etc., use of fictitious names' 110 

Cars — 

for carrying mails 61 

railway post-offices, additional pay 61 

searched, when, by whom 48 

transporting mail, display of weather signals = 124 

Cashiers, salaries at first-class post-offices 106 

Census mail matter, transmitted free, registered free 132 

Certificate— 

of Auditor, prior to payments 53 

of clerk, to accompany judgment in postal suits 23 

of necessity for illustrations in documents 141 

of postmaster, lost money-order 119 

of sureties' sufficiency, penalty for false , 64 

Certification of postal balances by Auditor 121 

Certified copies of statement of demands as evidence 14 

Certified money-order transcripts as evidence 14 

Certified quarterly returns of postmasters as evidence ■ 14 

Change in distribution of clerks 7 

Change in terms of contracts, carrying the mail 38 

Change in terminus, mail route > 40 

Changes of money orders after issue 50 

Character of contents, second-class matter 83 

Character of publication, false evidence as to . 103 

Character of useless papers, reported 106 

Charge on advertised letters L 36 

Charge, United States interested, penalty for officer receiving compensa- 
tion for services 10 

Charleston, advertisement, ocean mail service__ 113 

Check, etc., for lottery ticket, unmailable 111 

Chicago, 111., salary of superintendent of registry 107 

Chief clerk and superintendent of Post-Office Department building 133, 143 

Chief clerk, railway mail service 135 

Chief clerks — 

administer oaths of office free 111 

and postal clerks, expenses 136 

in charge of lines, railway mail service 135 

salaries at second-class post-offices -_ 109 

Chief post-office inspector, expenses, etc 87, 134, 137, 143 

China, mail agency, expenses 48 

Chutes attached to letter boxes 117 

Circuit courts, United States, jurisdiction in crimes, etc 6,65 



177 

Page. 
Circulars — 

defined 84 

fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

likeness of obligations of United States 12 

lottery, unmailable 111 

obscene matter, etc., nonmailable, penalty 69, 70 

rate of postage 7(5 

third-class matter 08, 83 

Circulation of lottery matter by interstate commerce, etc 124 

City delivery service — 

acting or substitute carriers, pay 149 

appointment of carriers 89 

carriers graded 147 

carriers" leave of absence 90 

carriers transferred to clerks 148 

clerks transferred to carriers : 148 

eight hours a day's work 103 

extra pay for extra service I 103 

hours of service 103 

pay of acting or substitute carriers 149 

promotions of carriers 89. 147 

reduction of carrier 147 

substitute letter carriers 89, 90, 141 

superintendent 1 - 134 

Civil pension roll prohibited 131 

Civil service examination for appointment . 91 

Civil suits — 

certified money-order transcripts as evidence 14 

certified quarterly returns of postmasters as evidence 34 

Claimant against United States, penalty for officer assisting 7 

indebted to United States, amount due him withheld, when 08 

Claims — 

against Post-Office Department, grounds for continuance in postal 

suit 4 

against United States, amount due claimant to be withheld 08 

penalty for officer acting as agent 7 

barred after three years 101 

by United States, compromised, etc.. when 21 

released, etc.. when 21 

for credit allowed in suits 4 

disallowed by Auditor 4 

presented to Auditor 4 

for losses, exceeding $10,000 reported to Congress 120 

presented within six months 103 

of postmasters, investigation, allowed, etc_ 102 

orders originating, certified to Auditor 20 

payment of rejected, forbidden 97 

reexamination of rejected, forbidden 97 

rejected, not reexamined or paid 97 

reported to Congress, when 97 

settled by Treasury Department 3 

under exhausted and unavailable appropriations 79 

United States interested, penalty for officer receiving compensation 

for service 10 

witnesses' attendance 16 

Classification — ■ 

clerks 7 

first-class post-offices 106 

postal service 90 

second-class post-offices 108 

division of, chief 134 

letter carriers 100 

mail matter, 29, 82 

postal clerks 150, 151 

postal employees, revised 90 

6300—07 12 



178 

Page. 
Classification — Continued. 

postal expenses in annual estimates 23 

postmasters 71 

railroad routes 44 

railway postal clerks : 89 

rural delivery employees 137 

Classified civil service, postal employees 90 

Clause in contracts, Members of Congress not interested 75 

Clerical assistance, allowance, unusual business in post-offices 28 

Clerical labor, money-order offices, compensation 118 

Clerical service, preference to certain postal clerks transferred 145 

Clerical services — 

allowances at distributing offices 68 

to cover all kinds 118 

not paid from contingent fund 15 

Clerical superiors not to receive gifts from subordinates 15 

Clerk-hire allowances — 

at distributing offices 68 

limited 139 

Clerk of court, application for warrant of attachment made : 11 

Clerk of United States court, issue subpoena in claims against United 

States 16 

Clerks — 

annual leave of absence, exclusive of Sundays and holidays 331 

assignment and detail 125 

as special delivery messengers 98 

authorized to administer oath 14 

civil-service examination for appointment 91 

classification 7 

compensation, method of computation _: 146 

detail from postal to departmental service forbidden 129 

distribution altered-- 7 

false returns, special delivery business 99 

for special-delivery mail, etc., salaries at first-class offices 108 

giving voucher for sum greater than received 7 

in charge of stations, salaries at first-class offices 108 

in charge rural stations 138 

in department 111 

no fee as notary public, when 111 

not to act as agents for contractors, etc 21 

salaries 18 

in first-class offices, classification and' salaries 106 

in post-offices 141 

absent, employment of substitute 141 

acting or substitute clerks, pay 149 

auxiliary 148 

bonds 130 

detailed 97 

embezzlement money-order lunds 61 

graded 147 

leaves of absence 113,148 

not to be contractor, etc 27 

pay of acting or substitute clerks 149 

promotions 109, 147 

reduction 147 

transferred to carriers' service 148 

issuing money order unlawfully 104 

leave of absence, etc 128 

sick, not to affect regular 131 

making political contributions, forbidden 92 

may administer oath, when 132 

new bonds 142 

not to receive compensation from any person in United States 

matters . 10 

not to solicit contributions for gift to superior 15 

performing duties of postmaster during his absence 49 



179 

Page. 
Clerks — Continued. 

postal, residence 123 

promoted, when 148 

receive no extra compensation as acting officers 5 

restored to former grade 147 

sign warrants, collection and transfer drafts 147 

Closed-pouch service by electric or cable cars, compensation 150 

Collecting postage due 85 

Collection — 

of debts due Post-Office Department, superintended by Auditor 16 

deficiency in postage, first-class matter 85 

double postage 31 

drafts to disbursing officers 10 

duty on books 84 

mail, boxes not placed inside buildings except 101 

from street letter boxes 28 

postage due 31 

on special-del ivery letters 105 

postage on second-class matter . 129 

unpaid postage on foreign mails 32 

Collections — 

improper, by carriers, penalty < 41 

paid into Treasury 20 

Collector of customs may seize mail matter illegally carried 43 

College, agricultural, reports transmitted by mail free 9 

Collusion, recovery of payments made 54 

Combination to prevent bidding, no contract to person entering <__ 38 

Combined inland and foreign mail service 97 

Commercial rates for Department advertising 80 

Commissioners of circuit courts may administer oaths 7 

Commissions — 

of postmaster, expiration . 25 

issuance 63 

on stamps canceled, postmasters' 94 

withheld on postmasters' false returns 79 

Communication about fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

Companies, telegraph, to file written acceptance 12 

Compensation— 

of acting or substitute carriers, clerks, and other employees 149 

acting postmasters 86 

additional, for expediting the mail 38 

.additional service, carrying the mail 38 

on mail route 89 

Assistant Postmasters-General 76 

auxiliary employees in post-offices 148 

blank agents, etc., postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

carriage of ship letters 41 

carriers, temporary service 40 

carrying mails, ascertained 82 

domestic water routes 79 

land-grant roads 71 

railroad routes 44 

steamboats 40 

clerical labor, money-order business 118 

clerical services, not paid from contingent fund 15 

unusual business in post-offices 28 

clerks in charge of rural stations 138 

clerks in post-offices of first and second classes 146 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Department employees, fixed by appropriations 90 

electric or cable cars, service 150 

employees, how divided 146 

Post-Office Department 18 

rural delivery service 137 

estimates for, authority : 8 

exoedition of service 86 



180 

Page. 
Compensation — Continued. 

extra forbidden, when 14,63 

false returns of postmasters 79 

fixed by Congress, railroad routes 44 

fourth-class postmasters 94 

increased by padding mails on railroads, penalty 130 

letter carriers, postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

letters transmitted without 43 

mail agents in foreign ports 47 

on ocean steamers 48 

mail routes, temporary service 40 

mail transportation on Pacific railroads, rates 9 

oath administered by chief clerk 111 

person holding two offices 7 

person in arrears to United States 4 

postal agents, China and Japan 48 

postal clerks at sea 136 

postmasters 92, 94 

foreign money -order exchanges 49 

included in annual estimates 23 

increased by false returns, penalty 79 

money-order business 51 

postal accounts to sbow expenditures 52 

post-office inspectors 137 

publishing list of nondelivered letters 36 

railroads, readjustment (51 

further reduced 148 

reduced 70. 80, 88 

rate for ocean mail service 114 

special delivery business, fixed by Postmaster-General, when 99 

special-delivery messengers 98 

special transfer service at St. Louis, Mo., and East St. Louis. Ill 131 

substitute city carriers : 89,96 

substitute rural carriers 137 

substitutes for clerks or carriers 148 

temporary mail service 90 

to officer for contract or office, penalty 9 

in United States matters, forbidden 10 

transportation of foreign mail 45 

of mails by electric and cable cars 127 

Complaint, fraudulent schemes, etc., offenses charged 60,110 

Compromise, etc. — 

claims, fines, penalties, etc 21 

judgments due Post-Office Department 17 

Comptroller — 

decision on accounts conclusive 16 

revision of auditor's certificates of balances 122 

Comptroller's revision of postal accounts, final 122 

Compulsion to make political contributions 91 

Computation of compensation of employees 146 

Concealing articles stolen from the mails 57 

Concealing stolen United States property, penalty 67 

Conception, matter relating to prevention, nonmailable, penalty 69, 70, 104 

Concurrent jurisdiction United States circuit courts, crimes and offenses- 65 
Condition — 

in contracts, Members of Congress not interested 75 

of business reports to head of Department and President 129 

Conditions of bond — 

post-office clerks 130 

proposals for carrying mail 64 

Conditions of compensation to railroads 61 

Conducting scheme to defraud, etc., penalty 110 

Confidential agents, names not required in estimates 23 

Confirmation by Senate, exemption from examination 01 

Congress — 

annual report of Postmaster-General 21 

estimates of expenditures and appropriations 5 



181 

Page. 
Congress — Continued. 

fix compensation and railroad routes 44 

Members accepting fee for procuring contract or office !) 

not interested in contracts 95 

postage on correspondence 130 

power to establish post-offices and post-roads 3 

report of claims for losses 103 

contingent fund 5 

mail routes established 40 

mail service, prohibited 123 

proceeds from sale of useless property 19 

terminate contract for carrying foreign mails 45 

Congressional — 

action on report of useless papers 100 

documents, mailed free 122 

printer, furnished copy of postal conventions 19 

record, when carried free by mail 67 

postage on transient copies 65 

Consent of Postmaster-General to compromises, etc 17, 21 

Consideration, valuable, to Member of Congress or officer for procuring 

contract or office 9 

Conspiracy — 

all persons equally guilty 12 

to defraud United' States 86 

to violate United States statutes 86 

Construction — 

of post-office cars 82 

of vessels, ocean mail service 114 

Consuls pay foreign postage due on certain United States matter 46 

Contents of bidder's oath, proposals for carrying mail 64 

Contents valuable, dead letters, disposal 36 

Contingent expenses, appropriations 142 

Contingent fund — 

expended on written order 6 

expenditures, report to Congress 22, 127 

not for clerical services, except 15,90 

Continuances in postal suits 4 

Contract division, chief 134 

Contracting parties, rights of action reserved to United States 9 

Contractors — 

bid of previous failing, carrying the mail not considered 38 

carry newspapers out of the mail 30 

claims allowed in suits, when 4 

carrying the mail, deductions for failures, etc 39 

penalty for failure to perform service 74 

proceedings on failure 72 

debts due from defaulting, attachment issued, when 10 

delinquency, certified copies of accounts as evidence 14 

papers in suits 17 

reported by postmaster 27 

delivering mail keys or locks to unauthorized persons 59 

entering combination to prevent bidding for carrying mail not to 

receive contract 38 

extra allowances for carrying mails, report to Congress 22 

failure, mail routes, temporary service 90,116 

failure to carry mail, penalty 64.75 

failure to provide properly equipped cars 88 

fines, foreign mails 45 

indemnity forfeited by subletting 88 

liens upon pay 88 

mail routes pay withheld 89 

papers in suits against delinquent 17 

payments by transfer of balances due from postmasters 53 

postmasters and clerks not to be ' 27 

prohibited to assign mail contract 39 

Contracts, schedule, railroads must comply 145 



182 

Page. 
Contracts — 

accounts settled in Court of Claims 100 

advertising required 63 

annulled when unlawfully procured 9 

awarded by purchasing agent 140 

awarded for carrying mail, penalty for failure to execute contract 73 

bear true date 20 

carrying foreign mails, limited 79 

carrying mails, advertising 88 

annulled, when 38, 78 

awarded to lowest bidder . 37 

change in terms . 38 

condition of bidder's bond to execute 64 

copy of subcontract filed 78 

Carrying mails, advertising — 

duplicate to Auditor 20 

employees in Department not to be interested 21 

extension authorized 72 

failure to perform service 74 

in name of United States 37 

limited to four years 38 

manner of subletting 78 

new, in case of failing bidder 73 

not given person entering combination to prevent bidding 38 

on canals r 39 

on plank roads 39 

on steamships 40 

payments begin 38 

release of sureties 86 

report to Congress 21 

subletting authorized when 78 

through foreign countries revoked 45 

transfer prohibited 39 

contain clause that Members of Congress not interested 75 

conveying mail between the United States and foreign countries 45 

delivering special delivery matter 99 

delivering of supplies 120 

domestic water routes 79 

duplicate delivered to Auditor 20 

envelopes, for all Departments 123 

for expenditures in excess of appropriations forbidden 142 

extension, mail routes 40 

foreign mail transportation discontinuance 45 

free delivery supplies, four years 109 

furnished separately to purchasing agent !T 140 

future payments forbidden 15 

inland and foreign postal service . 97 

in name of United States — ! 20 

mail bags, keys, locks, etc 63 

mail report printed when 123 

money-order blanks, etc 92 

newspaper wrappers, etc - 63 

not assignable 9 

not made unless authorized by law 8 

not to exceed one year 12 

ocean mail service 113,115 

postage stamps, etc 63 

postal cards, etc 63 

postal guide, four years 124 

supplies, signed by whom *. 77 

postmasters and clerks not to be interested in 27 

printing post-route maps 123 

procured by Member of Congress for consideration 9 

service expedited 86 

services or articles, payment not to exceed value 3 

signed by whom 77 



183 

Page. 
Contracts — Continued. 

special delivery of mail 99 

stamped envelopes, etc 63 

sufficiency of sureties, unlawful approval of certificate 64 

transfer causes annulment 9 

transportation of mail 116 

domestic, through foreign countries 44 

subletting 88 

to and from post-offices . 40 

true date affixed 20 

without advertisement for carrying mail 37, 72 

with subcontractor for carrying mail 88 

United States interested, officer not to receive compensation for service- 10 
Contributions — 

for gift to superior, soliciting, forbidden , 15 

political, forbidden 92 

receiving, by officers, etc., forbidden 91 

Control of lock boxes and drawers erected by patrons 53 

Controversy, United States interested, officer not to receive compensation 

for services 10 

Conventional stipulations, foreign dead mail matter 20 

Conventions with foreign countries, postal 19 

Conventions, postal — 

copy for Public Printer : 13 

copy sent to Secretary of State 13 

international money-order service 105 

Conversion of public moneys, penalty for improper 11 

Conveyance — 

of letters without compensation 43 

of mail matter by private express forbidden 41 

of obscene, etc., matters in mails, forbidden 70 

Conveyances or trusts,' set aside when 17 

Conveying mail unlawfully, transportation of person, forbidden 41 

Copies of postal conventions, number furnished to Postmaster-General 13 

Copy of foreign contracts for carrying mails, report to Congress 22 

Copy of postal conventions to Public Printer 13 

Copyright, publications violating 83 

Copyright article, postmaster to mail and receipt for 15 

Corrected proofs, postage on ^ 76 

Correspondence about fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

Correspondence by Members of Congress, transmitted free of postage 130 

Cost— 

of clerical services at distributing offices, allowances 68 

of temporary service carrying mail 74 

Costs- 
in prosecuting debt of United States 68 

liability for, on failure of suit ^__ 3 

" Counterfeit-money fraud " 109 

Counterfeit-money schemes, penalty 109 

Counterfeiting, etc., bonds, records, etc.. to defraud United States, penalty- 59 

foreign postage stamps, penalty 55 

mail key, penalty 59 

money orders, penalty 54, 103 

postage stamps, penalty 55 

Counterfeits, guards against, stamped envelopes 33 

County matter free, second-class 85 

County-seat post-offices not to be discontinued 125 

County seat supplied with mail 39 

Court of Claims, settlement of accounts, etc 100 

Court to grant continuances in postal suits, when 4 

Court to render judgment in postal suits, when 4 

Credit for loss exceeding $10,000 not allowed until 126 

Credit to postmasters for losses authorized 102 

Credits allowed in suits for delinquency 4 

Crimes and offenses — 

jurisdiction United States circuit courts 65 

United States district courts 66 



184 

Page. 

Crimes, preliminary proceedings 4 

Criminal prosecutions — 

certified money-order transcripts as evidence 14 

certified quarterly returns of postmasters as evidence 14 

Currency United States for redemption, registration free ' 30 

Curtailments of expenses, report to Congress 22 

Custodians of funds, salaries of postmasters, full compensation 118 

Custody of official seal 19 

Customs duty on books 84 

Cutting mail bags, etc., penalty 58 

Cuttings, seeds, plants, etc., rate of postage 104 

Damages, liquidated, failures of bidder to execute contract for carrying 

mail • 64, 72 

Dangerous weapons, robbing mail carrier 58 

Date of filing papers, indorsed thereon 20 

Day's work for city carriers, eight hours 103 

Dead-letter office — 

fictitious matter forwarded to 110 

. return of undelivered letters 36 

superintendent 134 

unpaid letters, sent to 36 

Dead letters — 

containing valuable inclosures, disposal 36 

failure to deposit revenues 53 

foreign, treatment 20 

important or valuable, disposition 37 

included in annual estimates 23 

postal accounts to show expenditures : 52 

revenue received 52 

proceeds reclaimed 37 

unclaimed money, disposition 52 

Death of postmaster, bond delivered to Auditor 24 

Death of Postmaster-General, duties performed by whom 13 

Debtors, discharge of imprisoned, judgment 21 

Debts due — 

attachment may issue, when 10 

paid into United States Treasury 117 

payment enforced by Auditor 10 

Deception in obtaining mail ,. 57 

Decide, forms of official papers, Postmaster-General to 76 

Decision of Comptroller conclusive on settlement of accounts 16 

Deductions — 

failure to perform service, mail contractors 39 

from compensation, failure in ocean mail service * 115 

from pay of contractors, report to Congress 22 

reports, not printed 123 

salaries and expenses from receipts of post-office 27 

Defacing postage stamps 33 

report of failure . r « 34 

Defamatory matter nonmailable and withdrawn from mails 105 

Defaulting contractor or officer, attachment issues, when 10 

Defendant in postal suits entitled to one continuance, when 4 

Deficiencies — 

allotments of appropriations to prevent 142 

postmasters' accounts, action 81 

Deficient postage — 

first-class matter, collected 85 

special delivery letters, collection 105 

Definition of circulars 84 

Defraud United States, all parties equally guilty in conspiracy to 12 

Delay- 
departure, foreign mails, fines 45 

mail on account of bulk 65 

mails on railroads, penalty 145 

presenting vouchers for credits claimed by delinquent officers 4 



185 

Page. 

Delaying mail at ferry, penalty 44 

Delaying newspapers, postal employees 57 

Delinquencies — 

of contractors, etc., deduction from pay for carrying mail 39 

reported by postmaster 27 

of postmasters, etc. — 

auditor's report to Postmaster-General 66 

certified copies of accounts as evidence 14 

Delinquent contractors or officers, attachment issued, when 10 

Delinquent officers^— 

compensation withheld 4 

suit on bond of 4 

Delinquent postmasters reported, failure to deface stamps 34 

Delinquents, papers furnished Department of Justice in suits 17 

Delivery — 

fictitious matter 110 

free county matter 85 

letters on steamboats 40 

lottery matter forbidden 112 

mail keys and locks to unauthorized persons 59 

mail matter by master of vessel at port of entry 42 

directions '. 102 

ordinary stamps for special 149 

with unlawful inclosures, forbidden 102 

nonmailable matter 84 

obscene, etc., matter forbidden 70, 104 

part paid official matter 96 

postage stamps, etc., to unauthorized person, penalty 55 

proposals, for carrying the mail : 37 

registered matter, receipt as evidence 35 

salaries of superintendent, etc., at first-class post-offices 107 

scurrilous, etc., matter, forbidden 105 

special delivery letters with postage due 105 

special delivery matter 98 

supplies by contractors 120 

Delivery to owner, stolen property recovered 54 

Demands — 

by or against United States 3 

not made on late postmasters, when 14 

unlawful postage, penalty 31 

what constitutes 14 

Denominations, postage stamps 33 

Department — 

employees, salaries 18 

hours of service required 129 

officers as inspectors 47 

official matter transported by express, etc 116 

regulations, prescribed by Postmaster-General 75 

Department service, employment restricted 90 

Department of Justice — 

directions in suit for money due Post-Office Department 17 

equity proceedings for money due 17 

papers furnished in suits against delinquents 17 

report of proceedings, in postal suits 23 

Departments — 

contracts for envelopes 123 

quarterly report to President 129 

open proposals same day 120 

printing books 141 

reports of condition of business : 129 

voluntary service accepted, when 142 

Departure and arrival of mails, registers 26, 130 

Deposit and receipt of mail matter by postal employees 41 

Depositaries — 

keep separate accounts of postal funds 6 

report to Post-Office Department, all deposits and payments 6 



186 

Page. 

Depositary, duplicate receipts for deposits 20 

Depositing in mails, circulars, etc., of fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

Depositor to have duplicate receipt 117 

Depository offices, claims for losses 103 

Deposits — 

funds by disbursing officers 75 

money-order funds, authorized 62 

postal revenues 117 

brought into Treasury 20 

penalty for failure 53 

public moneys in national banks by postmasters 60 

in unauthorized bank 10 

penalty for failure to make 8 

ship letters in post-office at port of arrival 41 

surplus revenue and other money by postmasters 27 

unauthorized, money-order funds, embezzlement, penalty 61 

unauthorized, of public moneys, penalty 6 

unlawful, acceptance by banks 11 

Depositions in claims against United States 16 

Depredations on foreign mails in transit across United States 46 

Deputy auditors, duties 115 

Deserting the mail, penalty 58 

Designation — 

of officers to sign warrants 116, 147 

of outstanding appropriation included in estimates of expenditures 8 

of postmasters as disbursing officers 96 

of post-office inspectors 87 

of railway postal clerks 89 

Destroying ' ma il— 

by postal employee, penalty- 30 

in letter boxes, etc.. penalty 55 

Destroying newspapers, postal employees 57 

Destroying ordinary mail, penalty_l 31 

Destroying valuable mail matter 56 

Destruction — 

letter boxes or contents 138 

money-order statements, etc 121, 128 

registers of arrival and departure of mails 130 

rejected proposals for carrying mail 130 

Detail' of- clerks ; 125 

from postal to departmental service forbidden 129 

in post-offices 97 

Detail of employees in post-offices 97 

Detailed report of expenditures from contingent fund 5 

Detained matter returned to owner or sender . 31 

Detaining newspapers, postal employees '. 57 

Detention — 

illegally carried mail matter 143 

of mail^by postmasters, penalty 30 

by postal employees, penalty 30 

undelivered letters 36 

Devices attached to letter boxes 117 

Device to defraud, delivery of registered mail forbidden 112 

Die, forged, for postage stamps, etc., penalty 55 

Diminution, postal-car service, reported 81 

Directions for transmission, delivery, etc., of mail matter 102 

Directions of Department of Justice obeyed in suits for money due 17 

Directory clerks, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Disbursements — 

postmasters', Auditor's report 17 

Disbursing clerk. Post-Office Department 18, 133, 143 

Disbursing officers — 

advances to 3 

appropriations from, as basis for estimated expenditures 5 

bonds, limit of liability of sureties 104 

collect drafts j 10 



187 

Tage. 

Disbursing officers — Continued. 

deposit funds 75 

duplicates of lost checks, how issued 62 

give bonds 8 

make payments in kind of money furnished 10 

not to exchange funds 10 

not to receive extra compensation 5 

penalty for receiving unauthorized deposits from 11 

postmasters, when -_ 9G 

required to furnish detailed statements of contingent fund 5 

requiring voucher for amount greater than paid, penalty., 7 

transfers of funds to 75 

Discharge from United States service, gifts to superiors 15 

Discharge of imprisoned judgment debtors 21 

Discipline of clerks and carriers i 147 

Discontinuance — 

county-seat post-offices, forbidden 125 

foreign mail transportation contracts 45 

free-delivery service 100 

post-offices by Postmaster-General 26,76 

service on post routes 40 

Dismissal from office, postmaster, etc., signing false certificate-- 64 

Dismissal — 

of employees 75 

acting as agent for contractor 21 

of postmaster for unlawful approval of bidder's bond, carrying mail__ 64 

Dispatchers, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Display of weather signals on cars, etc., carrying mail 124 

Disposal — 

of Department moneys. Postmaster-General to superintendent 76 

publication refused by patron 30 

unclaimed printed matter in post-offices 54 

valuable inclosures in dead letters 36 

Disposing of postage stamps, etc., unlawfully, penalty 53 

Disposition — 

files of papers in post-offices 143 

important dead letters 37 

money represented by unpaid money orders , 118 

penalties and forfeitures, when recovered 54 

useless papers 106 

Distributing offices, allowances for clerk hire 68 

Distribution- 
canceling ink 81 

clerks 7, 125 

Department business, regulations 75 

mails on cars 61 

newspapers by mail carriers 30 

District attorney — 

application for warrant of attachment 11 

reports in postal suits 23 

District courts of United States, jurisdiction „ 6. 65, 66 

Division — 

of appointments, chief 143 

of bonds and commissions, chief 143 

of classification, superintendent, special agents 144 

of contracts, chief 144 

of correspondence, chief 143 

of dead letters, superintendent 144 

of finance, assistant superintendent 144 

of foreign mails, chief clerk 144 

of mail equipment, chief 144 

of money orders, superintendent, chief clerk to superintendent 144 

of redemption, chief 144 



188 

Page. 
Division — Continued. 

of registered mails, superintendent, assistant superintendents 144 

of rural delivery, superintendent, assistant superintendent- 144 

of stamps, superintendent 144 

of supplies, superintendent, assistant superintendent 114 

Division of compensation of employees 140 

Division of superintendents. Railway Mail Service 135 

Documents — 

authority for printing ' 142 

Congressional, mailed free 122 

containing illustrations certified to by head of departments 141 

restriction on illustration 141 

Domestic mails through foreign countries, transportation 44 

Domestic money orders, invalid after one year 118 

Domestic productions preferred in purchasing supplies 140 

Domestic water routes, new and old service, contracts 79 

Donation from subordinates to superiors 15 

Double postage — 

collected, when 31 

on ship letters 32 

Double postal cards 80 

Double salaries 7 

Drafts- 
in remitting money -order funds 02 

for transfer of funds to disbursing officers 75 

signed, by clerks designated by Postmaster-General 147 

to disbursing officers, to be collected 10 

Draftsman at New York, N. Y., post-office, salary 108 

Drawers in post-offices, erected by patrons 53 

Drawing staple of mail pouch, penalty 58 

Drop letters — 

insufficiently prepaid, disposition : 30 

rate of postage 32,98 

Duplicates — 

in payment of lost money order 119 

of lost checks, how issued 02 

of lost money order issued 50 

of mail contracts, delivered to Auditor 20 

receipt to depositor of postal revenues 117 

Duration of mail contracts, domestic water routes, old service 79 

Duties — 

of deputy auditors 115 

of postal employees 02, 70 

of Postmaster-General, not connected with postal service 70 

of postmasters 25 

performed during his absence 49 

of purchasing agent 139 

Duty on books, collection 84 

E. 

East St. Louis, 111., special transfer service 131 

Efficiency — 

considered in promotions and reductions of clerks and carriers 147 

of employees, reports to Congress 111 

Eight hours a day's work for city carriers 103 

Electric and cable cars, transporting mail, rate of compensation 127, 150 

Eligibility of clerks and carriers for promotions or transfer 148 

Embezzlement defined — 

accepting unlawful deposits, etc 11 

failure to account for postage stamps, etc , 53 

failure to deposit postal revenues 53 

failure to deposit public moneys 8 

payment of less sum than stated in voucher filed 7 

pledging, etc., postage stamps, etc 53 



189 

Page. 
Embezzlement — 

of mail r 2 { \ 

of mail keys. etc.. penalty 58 

of mail matter by postal employee, penalty 30 

of money-order funds, penalty 61 

of ordinary correspondence, penalty 31 

of post-office property, etc., penalty 58 

of public money or property 16,81 

of United States property, punishment 67 

of valuable mail by postal employees, penalty 55,56 

Embezzling newspapers, postal employees 57 

Emergency expenditures 142 

Employees — 

annual leave of absence exclusive of Sundays and holidays 131 

as special-delivery messengers : 98 

delinquency, papers in suits l'i 

detail from postal to departmental service forbidden 129 

dismissal 75 

forbidden to solicit contributions 91 

incapacitated, not paid 133 

hi Department not to act as agents for contractors, etc 21 

report of efficiency 111 

salaries 18 

in first-class post-offices, classification and salaries 106 

in postal service, classification 90 

pay of acting or temporary 149 

in post-offices, detail 97 

not to be contractors, etc 27 

promoted by Postmaster-General 109 

leave of absence 128. 131 

not compelled to make political contributions 1)1 

not to be interested in mail contracts 21 

not to solicit contributions for gifts to superior 15 

of Department, debts due from defaulting, attachment issued, when__ 10 

no fee as notary public, when 111 

weigh mails 06' 

of postal service, estimates for appropriations 28 

forbidden to receive fees from public 27 

of United States, false personation 95 

..postal, forbidden to use postage stamps, etc., previously used 31 

oath of office 62 

receipt of mail 11 

receipting for sum greater than received 7 

removing stamps from mail matter, penalty 34 

soliciting political contributions 91 

Employment — 

additional carriers for expediting the mail 38 

additional stock for expediting the mail 38 

in departmental service 90 

letter carriers, free-delivery service 99 

mail messenger service, authorized 100 

special agents as disbursing officers, bonds required 8 

substitute clerk or carrier 141 

substitutes for absent clerks or carriers 148 

substitute rural carriers 137 

Endorsee of money order, identification required 131 

Enforced forfeiture of packages containing letters, proceedings 43 

Engineer, Post-Office Department, salary 18 

Engraved forms for money "orders 50, 119 

Engraving on stamped envelopes forbidden 33 

Engravings in public documents 141 

Entry — 

as second class, submitting false evidence to secure 103. 141 

of allowances, etc.. to bear true date 20 

of postal car, penalty for violent 138 

of vessels- to be made after letters are delivered at post-office 42 



190 

Page. 

Envelopes- 
bearing indecent matter, etc., not mailable, penalty 69, 70 

for all departments, contracts 123 

furnished by departments, restrictions on printing 123 

letter-sheet 86 

newspaper, stamps impressed 33 

stamped, engraving on, forbidden 33 

improvements 33 

lithographing on, forbidden 33 

postmaster held accountable for 33 

printing thereon forbidden 33 

provided by Postmaster-General 33 

Equipment — 

of post-office cars 82,88 

withdrawal from mails 145 

Equity proceedings for money due Post-Office Department 17 

Errors in money orders corrected by Superintendent Money-Order System_ 131 

Establishment — 

of branch post-offices 29 

of civil pension roll prohibited 131, 136 

of free-delivery service 99 

of international money-order service 105 

of post-offices, by whom 24, 76 

of post-office stations, limitations 125 

of system of registration 34 

Estimates — 

annual, report to Congress , " 22 

appropriation for expenses of postal service 23 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing, money-order blanks, etc 92 

for compensation, authority 8 

for new items of expenditures, explanation required 8 

furnished Secretary of Treasury annually 133 

manner of communicating 5 

of expenditures include amount of outstanding appropriations 8 

postal-car service, separate item 81 

printing and binding 16 

Public Printer, for money-order blanks 92 

revenues and expenditures, for Congress 146 

to Congress, expenses of free-delivery service 128 

money-order service 126 

Evidence — 

embezzlement money-order funds 61 

in prosecutions for failure to execute contracts for carrying mail 73, 75 

for failure of contractor to carry mail 73,75 

of accessory, embezzlement of United States property 67 

" intended to be conveyed by mail " 56 

money-order transcripts 14 

of agency, advertisement in lottery, etc., schemes 112 

fraudulent schemes, etc 113 

promotions of clerks and carriers made on satisfactory 147 

quarterly returns of postmasters as 14 

receipt for registered matter delivered 35 

satisfactory to Postmaster-General, " fictitious " order 110 

to secure entry as second-class, penalty for false 141 

Examination — 

for appointment, clerks, etc 91 

for mail matter on vessels by post-office inspectors- 43 

of accounts, oaths administered by whom 17 

of fourth-class matter 84 

of official bonds 123 

of packages 84 

of second-class matter at mailing office 82 

of third-class mail matter 69 

of vouchers by Auditor 28 

of witnesses, claims against United States 16 

Exceptions warranting emergency expenditures 142 



191 

Page. 

Excess commissions, fourth-class postmasters 95 

Excess of expenditures forbidden 142 

Excess of postage to be refunded by postmaster , _ 141 

Excess payments, recovered 54 

Exchange offices — 

furnished, metric postal balances 29 

money-order service, allowance for clerks 118 

Exchange — 

of funds in hands of disbursing officer, forbidden 10 

of money-order funds, embezzlement, penalty 61 

of public moneys for other funds 6,27 

Exchange system, international money-order service 1 105 

Exchange, foreign money-order 49 

Excluded from the mails, certain articles 69 

Exclusion of matter from public printing 123 

Ex-Congressmen, etc., franking privilege 122 

Execution — 

against property of released debtors 21 

awarded on certified copies of accounts 14 

in suits for money due, returns of marshal 4 

of new bond required w — 142 

of postal laws by Postmaster-General 76 

of warrant of attachment where property removed 11 

on judgment, speedy in postal suits 23 

Executive distribution of officers, not authority for estimates for compen- 
sation i 8 

Exemption — 

of clerks from existing laws respecting employment, prohibited 136 

from militia duty 3 

Exhausted appropriations, claims under 79 

Exigency purchases, etc 63 

Existence of agency in lottery matters, how ascertained 112 

Existing surety on mail contracts, release : 38 

Ex-Members of Congress, mail seeds, etc., free 67 

Expedition in carrying the mail, compensation 38,86 

Expenditures — 

by postmasters, general authority 127 

carriers, etc., reported separately 29 

clerical services, from contingent fund, forbidden 15 

current and ensuing fiscal years, Postmaster-General to report to 

Congress 146 

estimates communicated to Congress _: 5 

for new items to be explained 8 

to include amount of outstanding appropriations 8 

from contingent fund, report to Congress 5,22" 

in excess of appropriations forbidden _ 1 142 

not to exceed appropriations 1 15 

ocean mail service 127 

of postal service, reports to Congress 127 

statement of Auditor 66 

postmaster to keep records 26 

rent, light, and fuel at third-class offices 149 

restrictions = 142 

to be for objects appropriated for 12 

under each appropriation, shown in Auditor's accounts 67 

vouchers submitted to Auditor 28 

Expenses — 

Assistant superintendents, free delivery 131 

Assistant division superintendents, Railway Mail Service 135 

Assistant superintendents, Railway Mail Service 135,139 

registry system 135 

salary and allowance division 135 

carriers and branch offices reported separately 29 

chief clerks and railway postal clerks 136 

Chief post-office inspector 87 

deducted from postal receipts at post-offices 27 



192 

Page. 
Expenses — Continued. 

Division superintendents, Railway Mail Service 135 

Foreign money-order exchanges, bow paid 49 

> free-delivery service, estimates to Congress 128 

international money-order service 105 

mail agents in foreign ports 47 

money-order service, estimates to Congress 126 

postal agencies, China and Japan __. 48 

postal service, Auditor's report 17 

Post-office Department, controlled by Postmaster-General 76 

post-office inspectors 146 

Railway Mail Service, officers traveling 111 

Sea postal clerks 136 

special delivery of mail 98 

traveling, etc., special agents 47 

weighing mails, bow paid 66 

Expiration of postmasters' commissions 25 

Explanation required of estimates for new items of expenditures 8 

Express company not to carry obscene matter 126 

Express, private, transmission of letters forbidden 42 

Express shipment of postal supplies 145 

Express transportation of official matter, except 116 

Ex-sailors and ex-soldiers, preference in appointments 91 

Extension — 

of contracts for carrying mail 72 

of hours of service in Department 129 

of mail routes 40 

of service under contract 89 

Extra compensation — 

as acting officer forbidden 5 

forbidden, when 5, 14, 63 

Extra pay for city carriers 103 

Extra postage for carriers prohibited 29 

Extra services, no extra compensation : 5 

F. 

Failing bidder, temporary service, carrying mail 116 

Failing contractor for carrying mail 74 

Failing contractor, temporary service, carrying mail 116 

Failure of bidder for carrying mail — 

to execute contract . 64,73,74 

proceedings 72 

temporary service 116 

Failure of contractor — 

to carry mail, penalty 73 

to perform service, carrying mail, penalty ___ 64 

Failure of mail contractors — 

to perform service, deductions 39 

temporary service 90 

Failure of officer to account for money received 16 

Failure of postal employee to take oath of office 24 

Failure of postmaster to make quarterly report, penalty 27 

Failure to account for postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

Failuer to collect postage due, penalty 85 

Failure to deface stamps, report 34 

Failure to deposit- 
postal revenues, penalty 53 

public moneys, penalty 8 

Failure to execute contract for carying mail, penalty 75 

Failure to perform service carrying mail, penalty 75,89 

Failure to produce money-order funds, evidence of embezzlement 61 

Failure to supply properly equipped cars 88 

False address, etc., unlawful business 110 

False certificate to bidder's bond, carrying mail, penalty . 64 



193 

Page. 

False evidence to secure entry as second-class matter 103,141 

False personation of United States officers 95 

False pretenses — 

mail for obtaining money, not delivered, when 112 

obtaining money through mails 111 

False receipts, penalty for filing 7 

False returns — 

by postmasters 79 

special-delivery business, penalty 99 

False swearing of sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail, penalty- 73 

False vouchers, penalty for filing 7 

Fastest trains carry mails 96 

Fee for administering oath, clerk as notary public 111 

Fee for oath to pensioner 122 

Fee not returned on repayment of money order 50 

Fees for money orders = 66,117 

Fees for registration of mail matter 35 

Fees from public, postal employees not to receive 27 

Fees of officers, liability for, on failure of suit 3 

Fees to letter carriers, forbidden 29 

Fees to officer assisting in prosecution of claims against United States. 

forbidden 7 

Fees to postal employees prohibited 41 

Felony — ■ 

embezzlement, etc.. of United States property 67 

false personation of United States officers 95 

postal employees using previously used stamps 34 

Ferry, mail delayed, penalty 44 

Ferrymen on post-roads, exemption from militia duty 3 

Fictitious matter 110 

Fictitious names, fraudulent schemes, etc 110 

Field inspectors' per diem 147 

Fifteen days' leave of absence, clerks in post-offices 113 

Files and records division, chief of '. 134 

Files of useless papers, disposition 106, 143 

Filing of mail carriers' contract to secure lien 88 

Filling vacancy, no extra compensation to officer 14 

Finance clerks, salaries at first-class post-offices 106 

Finance division, superintendent . 134 

Finance, postal, bond of superintendent 133 

Finances of the Department, report to Congress 22 

Finances, postal service — 

controlled by Postmaster-General 76 

reports to Congress 127 

Financial condition, Post-Office Department, Auditor's report 71 

Fines and penalties — 

deposited as part of postal revenues 52 

postal accounts to show revenue received 52 

Fines — 

failures and delinquencies, mail contractors 39 

irregularities, ocean mail service 115 

violation postal laws, paid into Treasury 54 

Fines from mail contractors, report to Congress 22 

Fines on contractors for foreign mails 45 

Fines — 

remitted, when 21 

reports not to be printed 123 

Fire in post-offices, claims for losses 102 

Fireman and blacksmith, Post-Office Department, salary 18 

Firemen, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices : 108 

First Assistant Postmaster-General — 

approves postmasters' bonds 77 

office 143 

signing of certain contracts 77 

First-class mail, defined 82 

6300—07 13 



194 

Page. 

First-class matter 29 

insufficiently prepaid 85 

opening forbidden 105, 112 

rate of postage 98 

First-class postmasters, compensation 71,92,93 

First-class post-offices — 

classification and salaries of clerks 106 

clerk hire, money-order business : 118 

clerks promoted i 109^ 

First-class rate on packages, when '84 

First-class vessels, ocean mail service 114 

Folding of newspapers for mailing 30 

Foreign and inland postal service, contracts 97 

Foreign countries — 

collection of unpaid postage 32 

mail agencies 47 

not in Postal Union, rate of postage 32 

postal conventions 19 

transportation of domestic mails through 44 

transportation of mails between United States and 45 

Foreign dead mail matter, treatment 20 

Foreign letters, advertising nondelivered 35 

Foreign mails — 

compensation for carrying 45 

contracts limited 79 

contracts, report to Congress 22 

deemed mail of United States, when 46 

discontinuance of contract for carrying 45 

fines on contractors 45 

how transported 1 45 

in transit across United States, protection 46 

ocean mail service 113 

postal cards 87 

superintendent 19, 134 

Foreign mail service, agencies established 47 

Foreign matter, retaliatory postage, when imposed 46 

Foreign money orders, counterfeiting, forging, etc 103 

Foreign money-order exchanges 49 

Foreign postage due on certain United States matter, consuls may pay 46 

Foreign postage stamps, forging, etc., penalty : 5'5 

Foreign postal service conbined with inland 97 

Foreign publications, second-class matter, when 83 

Foreign vessels carry mail, postage paid 47 

Foremen of crews or sections, salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Forfeiture and penalties — 

collection by Auditor 16 

recovery and disposition 51 

Forfeiture of packages containing letters, proceedings 43 

Forfeitures, remitted, when 21 

Forging — 

bonds, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

foreign postage stamps, penalty , _^ '55 

mail key, penalty 59 

money orders penalty 54, 103 

postage stamps, penalty 55 

Form of bonds of disbursing officers 8 

Form of depositaries' reports of postal funds, prescribed by Postmaster- 
General 6 

Form of keeping postal accounts, Auditor's report to Postmaster-General- 66 

Form of official papers by Postmaster-General decided 76 

Form of postmasters' affidavit prescribed by Postmaster-General 79 

Formation of second-class matter 83 

Forms — 

money orders 50, 119 

money-order applications, supplied 119 



195 

Page. 

Forwarding letters with insufficient postage prepaid 36 

Forwarding mail matter — 

directions 102 

without additional charge 37 

Fourth Assistant Postmaster-General — 

Acting Postmaster-General, when 150 

approve postmasters' bonds ■ 117 

authority for appointment 116 

chief clerk 144 

office 134, 141 

Fourth-class matter — 

defined 125 

examination 84 

improper additions 102 

permissible additions 102 

rates of postage 84 

Fourth-class offices advancement effective when 95 

Fourth-class postmasters — 

administer oaths to pensioners 122 

appointed and removed by Postmaster-General- 71 

compensation 94 

excess commission 95 

salaries 71 

Fourth-class post-offices, allowances for clerk hire 68 

Fourth-class vessels, ocean mail service . 114 

Four year contract for free-delivery supplies 109 

Franked congressional matter, not transported by express 116 

Franked matter — 

Congressional 122 

restrictions as to articles admitted to mails 145 

Franking privilege — 

agricultural bulletins, reports, etc 100 

census mail matter 132 

ex-Congressmen, etc 122 

Ida S. McKinley 137 

Lcuretia R. Garfield 88 

Members of Congress 130, 140 

Members of Congress sending Congressional Record 67 

penalty for misuse 78 

who entitled 77 

Fraternal society publications, second-class matter 120 

Frauds, investigations, who may administer oath 1 132 

Frauds on the Government, oaths to witnesses in investigations 14 

Fraudulent certificate to bidder's bond, carrying mail, penalty 64 

Fraudulent conveyances or trusts, set aside when 17 

Fraudulent demand for unlawful postage, penalty ,. 31 

Fraudulent imitation of postal cards, etc., penalty 55 

Fraudulent increase, postmasters' compensation, penalty 79 

" Fraudulent," on outside of mail matter returned, when 112 

Fraudulent payments, no service performed 54 

Fraudulent schemes — 

delivery of mail forbidden, when 112, 124 

payment of money orders forbidden, when 50, 112 

penalty 59, 60, 109 

registered mail returned to sender i 35 

" Fraudulent " to be stamped on registered lottery letters returned to 

sender 35 

Fraudulently obtaining mail matter, penalty : 56, 57 

Free country matter 85 

Free-delivery assistant superintendents, per diem 131 

Free-delivery offices, special-delivery messengers 99 

Free-delivery service — 

contracts for supplies, four years : 109 

discontinuance , 00 

established, when 19 



.196 

Page. 
Free-del i very service — Continued. 

estimates of expenses to Congress- ^ 128 

rural 117 

superintendent designated 60 

Free mailing, agricultural reports, etc 100 

Free registration — 

census mail matter 132 

official matter _- 35, 96 

United States currency for redemption 36 

Free transmission of agricultural-college reports 9 

Free transportation for railway postal clerks 125, 127 

Freight shipment of postal supplies 145 

Frequency, conveyance of mails 61 

Frequency of publication, lists of nondelivered letters 35 

Fuel and light, third-class post-offices — 

allowances 149 

limitation 127 

Fulfillment of contract or purchase authorized by law 8 

Fund, contingent, expenditures from 6 

Funds — 

deposited by disbursing officer 75 

exchange by disbursing officers forbidden 10 

money order, embezzlement, penalty 61 

postal, separate accounts, by depositaries , 6 

transferred to disbursing officer 75 

Furniture, withdrawal from mails 145 

Further demand for new balance due from postmaster not necessary 14 

G. 

Galveston, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Garfield, Lucretia R., franking privilege 88 

General advertisement, contracts for carrying mail 116 

General duties of Postmaster-General . 76 

General utility clerks, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

General mail lettings, advertisement 88 

General superintendent, Railway Mail Service, expenses 88 

General supervision of Department and postal service ± 76 

General utility clerks, etc. — - 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Gift concert matter, nonmailable, penalty 70,111 

Gift enterprise, payment of money orders forbidden 50 

Gift enterprise matter, delivery forbidden 112 

Gifts to superiors _ — 15 

Giving fee to officer procuring contract or office, penalty 9 

Government building available, lease of post-office ceases 97 

Government employees, leave of absence 131 

Government funds, embezzlement 16,81 

Government funds, etc., claims for losses 102 

Government funds, penalty for failure to render accounts 16 

Government of Department, regulations prescribed by Postmaster-General 75 

Government preference, mail transportation on land-grant railroads 9 

Government Printing Office to do printing, binding, etc 13 

Government telegrams, priority on certain lines 60 

Gratuity to officer assisting in prosecution of claims against United 

States, forbidden 7 

Gratuity to postal employee, forbidden _ 109 

" Green articles " 109 

"Green cigars" fraud 109 

" Green coin " 109 

Green goods schemes, penalty 109 

Guarantors' sufficiency, penalty for false certificate 64 



197 

Page. 

Guaranty, etc.. altering, forging, etc.. to defraud United States, penalty— 59 

Guaranty in writing to accompany every proposal for carrying mail 72 

Guaranty of bidder for carrying mail 37 

Guards against counterfeits, stamped envelopes 33 

H. 

Handbill in likeness of obligations of United States 12 

Habana. Cuba, mail agency 47 

Head of department — 

certificate of necessity of illustrations 141 

quarterly report to President 129 

subpoena for witnesses in cloims against United States 10 

Health bulletins of State boards, second-class matter 121 

Hearing before canceling second-class mail privileges 137 

Higher rate of postage, charged, when 29 

Highways, post-routes 95 

Historical interest of old papers 106. 143 

Historical Societies' publications, second-class matter 121 

Holding unmailable matter 84 

Holding two offices forbidden, except 121 

Holidays not counted in clerks' leave of absence 131. 148 

Honorable discharge from military or naval service, railway mail clerks 145 

Honorable service roll prohibited 131. 136 

Hours of delivery, special-delivery matter 99 

Hours of service — 

city letter carriers 103 

required in Department 129 

Hypothecating postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

I. 

Identical pieces of third and fourth-class matter, postage, how paid 140 

Identification of addressee, fictitious matter 110 

Identification of payee of money order required .. 131 

Illegal carrying of letters outside the mail 42 

Illegal carrying of mail by carriers, etc 41 

Illegally carried mail matter, seized by collector or post-office inspector 43 

Illusory certificate of sufficiency of sureties, penalty 64 

Illustrations in public documents 141 

Immediate delivery of articles, etc., advertising unnecessary 63 

Immediate delivery, special-delivery matter 98 

Immoral matter, not mailable, penalty 69,70 

Immoral publications, etc., nonmailable 104 

Important dead letters disposed of, how 37 

Importation of lottery matter by Interstate Commerce, etc 124 

Imposition of retaliatory postage on certain foreign matter 46 

Improper collection of mail by carrier, penalty 41 

Improper payments, services not performed 54 

Improper sales of postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

Improper use of public moneys, penalty 11 

Improperly rated mail matter 29 

Improvements in stamps and stamped envelopes 33 

Incapacitated persons not employed in postal service 133. 136 

Incidental expenses — 

assistant superintendents, Railway Mail Service 128 

Post-Office Department, accounts audited 121 

Inclosing writing in lower class matter, penalty 30 

Inclosures — 

dead letters, disposition of valuable 36 

higher class in lower class matter 102 

what permissible in newspapers 69. 101 

Inclosures in second-class matter — 

rate of postage 82 

what permissible 69, 101 



198 

Page. 
Increase — 

indemnity for loss of registered mail 138 

postal-ear service reported 81 

postmasters' salary 28 

Increased appropriation asked in annual estimates, to be explained 8 

Increasing weight of mails during weighing period 130 

Indebtedness of officers, limit of liability of sureties on bonds 104 

Indecent matter, nonmailable — 

penalty 70 

withdrawn from mails : 10-5 

Indecent publications, etc., nonmailable 104 

Indefinite appropriations 15 

Indemnity for lost registered mail 126,138 

Indemnity to contractors — 

carrying mail through foreign country 45 

forfeited by subletting 88 

Indictment in fraudulent schemes, etc., offenses charged 60, 110 

Indorsements on money orders__ 65 

forging, etc., penalty 54,55,103 

Indorsements on official mail matter, penalty envelopes 78 

Information, fraudulent schemes, etc 110 

"Informer liable for costs and fees 3 

Informer's share of penalties, etc., recovered 54 

Injuring letter boxes or mail matter therein 138 

Injuring mail bags, etc., penalty 58 

Injuring mail in letter boxes, etc., penalty 55 

Injuring street letter boxes, penalty 28 

Ink, uniform canceling 80 

Inland steamboat service appropriations 97 

Inquiry clerks, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Inspection division, chief 134 

Inspection of bids 140 

Inspectors — 

appointed by Postmaster-General 144 

authorized to search vessels, when 43 

bonds 47 

Department officers may be 47 

examine postmasters' records 26 

expenses 146 

formerly rural agents and division superintendents 144 

number and salaries 150 

placed in charge of post-offices 25 

Inspectors in charge 137 

Institutions of learning, publications, second-class matter 120 

Instructions — 

Department of Justice obeyed in postal suits 17 

postal employees 76 

weighing mails 66 

Insufficiently prepaid postage on drop letters 36 

Insufficient sureties on bidder's bond, unlawful approval 64 

" Intended to be conveyed by mail," construed 56 

Intention of bidder — 

execute contract for carrying mail 64 

perform service carrying mail 64 

Intercepting letters, penalty 31 

Interest — 

in claim to officer for assistance rendered, forbidden 7 

in contract not assignable : 9 

on balances due Post-Office Department 4 

on balances withheld from claimant 68 

on deposits of public moneys, not to be received 60 

rate of, on balances due Post-Office Department 4 

recovered in suits for balance due Post-Office Department 4 

received on wrong payments 54 



199 

Page. 
International money-order service — 

establishment 105 

exchange offices, allowance for clerks 118 

expenses 105 

rules and regulations 105 

system of exchange 105 

Interrogatories for sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail 73 

Interstate commerce — 

transporting obscene matter 126 

used in circulation of lottery matter 124 

Invalid lost money orders, paid by warrant 119 

Invalid money orders — 

more than one indorsement 65 

paid by warrant only 118 

payment 121 

Inventory of Department property 19 

Investigations, oaths to witnesses 14 

Investigations of frauds, who may administer oath 132 

Irregularity of United States officer, oaths to witnesses in investigations 14 

Issuance of duplicates of lost checks 62 

Issue of money orders— 

at branch post-offices 49 

penalty for unlawful 103 

Issuing money orders on credit, penalty 49 

Items of expenditure from outstanding appropriation, designated in esti- 
mates 8 

Items suspended in postal accounts 122 

J. 
Janitors, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Japan, mail agency, expenses 4g 

Judge before whom application for warrant of attachment may be made__ 11 

Judge of any court, administer oath in settlement of accounts 17 

Judge of United States court, issue subpoena in claims against United 

States K3 

Judgment authorized on certified copies of accounts 14 

Judgment conclusive in settlement of accounts 101 

Judgment obtained by claimant against United States, balance, how paid_ 68 

Judgments, compromise, debts due Post-Office Department 17 

Judgments in postal suits for money due, returns on execution 4 

Judgments, speedy execution in postal suits 23 

Jurisdiction, United States circuit courts — 

postal suits q 

original, in crimes, etc 05 

Jurisdiction, United States district courts, crimes and offenses, etc 6, 66 

Justice of peace — 

administers oath in settlement of accounts 17 

oath taken before 7 

try postal suits and prosecutions 24 

Justification of sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail 73 

K. 

Keeping accounts of postal funds by depositaries 6 

Keeping postal accounts 1 70 

form reported by Auditor 06 

Keys, mail bags, contracts signed by whom 77 

L. 

Laborers, etc., salaries first-class post-offices J 108 

Land-grant railroads, compensation for mail transportation 9. 44, 71, 149 



200 

Page. 

Lascivious matter, nonmailable and withdrawal from mails, penalty 69, 105 

Law authorizing proposed expenditures, cited in estimates 5 

Law clerk, Post-Office Department 143 

Laws of postal service, executed 76 

Leases of post-offices, canceled, when, etc 97 

Leave of absence 128. 

city letter carriers 96 

clerks in post-offices 113, 148 

employees mail-bag repair shops 113 

exclusive of Sundays and holidays 131 

Government employees 131 

postal clerks 136 

rural carriers, with pay 146 

Legal evidence of debt produced upon application for warrant of attach- 
ment 11 

Legal proceedings to enforce payment of claim of United States 68 

Letter balances — 

contracts, signed by whom 77 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Letter boxes — 

established, when 28 

expenses reported separately 29 

injuring mail matter, penalty 55 

mail chutes attached 117 

mail collected 28 

not to be placed inside buildings, except 101 

penalty for injuring 28, 138 

Letter-carrier routes, post-roads 39 

Letter carriers — 

appointments __ 89 

bonds 28 

city service, leave of absence . 96 

classification _• 100 

embezzlement of mail matter, penalty 30 

employed, when . 99 

expenses reported separately 29 

hours of service in cities 103 

not to deliver lottery matter 111 

penalty for assaulting 28 

promotions '. 89, 148 

rural, pay 147 

salaries— 100, 140 

substitutes, city service 96, 141 

transferred to clerks _ 148 

uniforms 28 

Letter distributers, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Letter postage, postal accounts to show amount received 51 

Letter-sheet envelopes 86 

Letters — 

additional charge on advertised 36 

addressed to foreign-born persons, nondelivered, advertisement 35 

advertisement of foreign nondelivered 35 

carried separately on mail routes, when 65 

carried outside the mail, illegal, when 42, 43 

compensation, advertising nondelivered 36 

dead, of importance, how disposed of 37 

delivered at post-office before vessels make entry 42 

drop, insufficiently prepaid, disposition 36 

for lotteries, etc., delivery forbidden, when 124 

in "point print " or characters used by blind, transmitted at third- 
class rates 132 

in stamped envelopes carried outside the mail 43 

intercepting, penalty 31 



201 

Page. 

Letters — Cont i nuecl. 

lotteries' registered, returned to sender marked " fraudulent " 35 

nondelivered, advertising 35 

list posted in public view 35. 36 

on steamboats, delivery 40 

or sealed matter, opening forbidden 105 

postage _- TO 

postage on drop 32 

postal cards, etc.. first-class matter 82 

private express, transmission forbidden 42 

registered lottery, postmaster forbidden to open 35 

return request, not advertised, returned 37 

seized for violations, returned 31 

sbip, double postage 32 

soldiers' transmitted unpaid 32 

transmitted without compensation 43 

undelivery. detention 30 

returned to Dead Letter Office 30 

unlawfully concealed, forfeited to the United States 43 

unpaid postage, sent to Dead Letter Office 30 

with valuable inclosures, embezzlement by postal employees, penalty. 55 

Lewd matter, nonmailable and withdrawn from mails 09. 105 

Liability — 

costs on failure of suit 3 

informer in action on penal statute 3 

on official bonds, extends to qualification of successors 124 

postmaster for misconduct of employees 49 

sureties for postmasters' debts cease, when 25 

limit 104 

on bond of married women postmasters- 24 

postmasters' bonds 25 

Libelous matter, nonmailable and withdrawn from mails 105 

Liens upon pay of contractors and subcontractors 88 

Light at third-class post-offices, allowances 127,149 

Limit — 

contracts, carrying foreign mails 79 

contract for carrying mails 38 

indemnity for loss of registered matter 120 

liability of sureties on official bonds 104 

pay to special delivery messengers 98 

penalty privilege, to mail matter 145 

weight of mail matter, exceptions 00, 125 

Limitations — ■ 

allowance for clerk hire 139 

establishment of post-office stations 125 

expenditures 12 

extension of mail routes under contract 89 

money orders 117 

promotions, of clerks and carriers 148 

purchases from contingent fund 

suits against postmasters 25 

suits on accounts 101 

Liquidated damages — 

additional cost on failure of bidder for carrying mail 72 

failure of bidder for carrying mail to execute contract 04 

failure to perform service, carrying mail 04 

Lists — 

advertised matter, posting 30 

legitimate subscribers, second-class matter 83 

lottery drawings, unmailable 111 

nondelivered letters posted in public view, etc 35 

Literary societies' publications, second-class matter 121 

Lithographing on stamped envelopes forbidden 33 

Loan of public moneys, penalty for receiving 11 



202 

Page. 

Loaning — 

money-order funds, embezzlement, penalty . 61 

public money by postmasters, forbidden 27 

using or unauthorized deposit of public moneys 6 

Lock boxes in post-offices, patrons may erect _ 53 

Locks, contracts signed by whom 77 

Lodge publications, second-class matter 120 

Loosening lock on mail pouch, penalty . 58 

Loss — 

exceeding $10,000, claims reported to Congress, for special appropria- 
tion 126 

Government funds, etc., claims of postmasters 102 

registered matter, limit of indemnity 126 

Lost checks, duplicates, how issued 62 

Lost invalid money orders, paid by warrant 119 

Lost money orders — 

certificates of postmasters 119 

payment by duplicate 119 

replaced 50 

Lost registered mail — 

amount of indemnity 138 

postal revenues not liable 34 

Lottery — 

agents, postmasters not to act as : 27 

circulars, etc., nonmailable, penalty 70 

registered letters, not to be opened by postmaster 35 

Lottery matter — 

circulation by interstate commerce, etc., forbidden 124 

. delivery forbidden : 112 

unmailable 111 

Lottery tickets, unmailable 111 

Lotteries — 

payment of money orders forbidden, when 50, 112 

postmasters not to be agents 27 

registered letters, returned to sender marked " fraudulent " 35 

Lower class mail matter, writing inclosed 30 

Lowest bidder, award of contract for carrying the mail 37 

M. 

McKinley, mail matter of, Ida S., transmitted free 137 

Magazines, etc., third-class mail matter 68 

Mail agencies in foreign countries 47 

Mail agency in China or Japan, expenses 48 

Mail agents — 

in foreign ports 47 

on ocean steamers, compensation 48 

Mail bags — 

contracts 63 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

withdrawal from mails 145 

Mail bags, keys, locks, etc. — 

contracts signed by whom 77 

included in annual estimates i. 23 

injuring, etc., penalty 58 

stealing, etc., penalty 58 

Mail carried — 

by land-grant roads ^ 44 

by private express, permitted when 81 

by steamboat : 40 

on any train : 44 

on foreign vessels, treatment on arrival 47 

Mail carriers — 

convey newspapers out of the mail 30 

deserting mail, penalty 58 

embezzlement of mail matter, penalty 30 

liens on contractors' pay 88 



203 

Page. 
Mail carriers — Continued. 

penalty for wounding 58 

receive and deposit mail matter 41 

Mail chutes, part of letter boxes 117 

Mail, compensation for additional service carrying _ 38 

Mail contractors, failure to perform service, deductions 39 

Mail contracts — 

annulled when illegally sublet 78 

bids recorded and preserved 37 

reports not to be printed, unless 123 

subletting authorized when 78 

void, when 88 

without advertising, railroads carrying mail 37 

Mail delayed at ferry, penalty 41 

Mail delivered from vessels before making entry 42 

Mail depredations, etc. — 

included in annual estimates 23 

persons employed in detecting, names not required in estimates 23 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Mail equipment division, chief 134 

Mail examined at mailing office 82 

Mail for lotteries, etc.. delivery forbidden when 124 

Mail, illegal carrying, penalty 41 

Mail keys — 

contracts 63 

delivery by contractor to unauthorized persons 59 

forging, etc.. penalty 59 

stealing, etc.. penalty 58 

Mail, letters carried outside 43 

Mail lettings — 

advertisement of general 88 

miscellaneous contracts 116 

Mail locks — 

contracts 63 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

unlawful possession, penalty 59 

Mail matter — 

carriers to receive and deposit in post-offices i 41 

classification 29. 82 

collection from street letter boxes 28 

collection of postage on second-class 129 

conveyance by private express, forbidden 41 

directions for delivery, etc 102 

first-class. defined___*_ 29. 82 

opening forbidden 105 

forwarded without additional charge 37 

forwarded without stamps defaced 33 

fourth-class, defined 125 

fraudulently obtaining 56 

free registration 35 

illegally carried, seized by agent of Department 43 

indecent, obscene, etc.. nonmailable, penalty 69, 70 

injuring in letter boxes, etc., penalty 55, 138 

" intended to be conveyed by mail " 56 

intercepting, penalty 31 

limit of weight. 66.125 

lottery circulars, etc., nonmailable 70 

not properly wrapped, rate of postage 29 

not sent to branch office, when 29 

official, transmitted free 77 

payment of postage due 31 

penalty for accessory to stealing 4 

permissible additions to fourth-class 102 

postage on second-class - 97 

third-class 32 

to foreign countries 32 

registration 35 



204 

Page. 
Mail matter — Continued. 

relative to Census, transmitted free 132 

removal of stamps by postal employees, penalty 34 

returned, prepayment of postage 130 

returned to sender, when addressed to lottery, etc • 112 

return of seized or detained 31 

return of undelivered 139 

second-class defined 68 

periodicals of State departments of agriculture 132 

sent by Ida S. McKinley, conveyed free 137 

stealing, etc., penalty 56 

third-class, defined 68, 69 

unlawful inclosures 102 

unlawfully detained by postmasters 30 

wrapping 29 

Mail messengers — ■ 

embezzlement of mail matter, penalty 30 

salaries at first-class post-otfices___ 108 

Mail messenger service, employment authorized 100 

Mail on steamboats, penalty for failure to deliver 40 

Mail, provision for carrying on post roads 39 

Mail received at post-offices only, carried on vessels 42 

Mail retarded on account of bulk 65 

Mail routes — 

contractor's pay withheld 89 

establishment reported to Congress 40 

extension 40, 89 

letters carried separately, when 65 

readvertised, when 74 

report of additional, established 21 

temporary service on failure of contractor 90 

terminus changed . 40 

under contract, extension of service 89 

Mail service — 

in steamships 40 

ocean mail service 113 

Mail, special delivery, use of ordinary stamps 149 

Mail supplied, county seats_. 39 

Mail transportation — 

contract signed by 77 

electric or cable cars, rate of compensation 150 

inland, weighing of mails paid from appropriation 66 

Pacific railroads, compensation 9 

railroad routes, reduction of compensation 148 

to and from post-offices, contracts 40 

transfer of contract prohibited 39 

Mail vessels, ocean service, used as transports and cruisers 115 

Mail with valuable inclosures, penalty for embezzlement by postal em- 
ployees 55 

Mailable matter — 

on foreign vessels, search for 46 

transported in violation of law, searches 48 

Mail-bag repair shops, leave of absence for employees 113 

Mailing advertisements of fraudulent schemes, etc 109 

Mailing card, private, authorized 129 

Mailing clerks — 

salaries at first-class post-offices__ 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Mailing fraudulent matter, penalty 60 

Mailing, free, reports of agricultural colleges 9 

Mailing matter without stamps affixed 140 

Mailing office, examine second-class matter 82 

Mails — 

arrival and departure, registers 26 

carried on fastest trains : 96 

carrying, contracts limited to four years 38 



205 

Page. 
Mails — Continued. 

closed, when 26 

contract for carrying, payments begin 38 

report to Congress 21 

delayed on railroads, penalty 145 

domestic, transportation through foreign countries 44 

foreign, compensation for carrying 45 

contracts for carrying, limited 79 

how transported 45 

increasing weight to increase compensation 130 

obstructing, penalty 44 

of adjoining countries, transportation through United States 45 

padding, penalty 130 

salaries of superintendent at first-class post-offices 107 

transportation by other means than railroads 44 

weighed, how and when 60 

Making mail key. unlawfully, penalty 1 59 

Making, unlawfully, stamped envelopes, etc.. penalty 55 

Malpractice of contractors, reports by postmasters 27 

Manner of carrying mails 82 

Manner of keeping postal accounts 51 

Auditor's report to Postmaster-General 60 

prescribed by Postmaster-General 70 

Manner of paying balances, directed by Postmaster-General 70 

Manner of subletting mail contracts 78 

Manufacture of postal cards 33 

Manuscript copy, third-class matter 83 

Manuscripts — 

postage on . 70 

third-class mail matter 08 

Maps of post routes — 

contract for printing 123 

sale to the public 133 

Marines' letters transmitted unpaid 32, 30. 82 

"Marked copy," permissible on second-class matter 101 

Marks on third-class matter 102 

Married women appointed postmasters, bonds 24 

Marshals make returns to Auditor of proceedings on executions 4 

Master of foreign vessel to deliver mail on arrival 47 

Master of vessel, oath 42 

Material signature on money orders, forging, etc., penalty 54 

Matter excluded from public printing 123 

Matters relating to Government, transmitted free 77 

Meaning of " intended to be conveyed by mail " 50 

Means of transporting mail, other than railroads 44 

Member of Congress — 

accepting pay for procuring contract or office, penalty 9 

correspondence . ^ 130 

franking privilege : 140 

mail seeds, etc., free 07 

not interested in contracts 75 

send Congressional Record free by mail 67 

Memorandum of allowances, etc., to have true date affixed 20 

Merchandise, fourth-class matter 82 

•Messengers, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices 109 

Messengers, special delivery — 

at free-delivery offices 99 

compensation '__ 98 

deemed carriers 13S 

payment 98 

Method of computing compensation of employees 140 

Metric postal balances, furnished exchange offices 29 

Military service of postal clerks transferred 145 



206 

Page. 

Military duty, persons exempted from = 3 

Miscellaneous duties of Postmaster-General, not connected with postal 

service 76 

Miscellaneous expenditures, postal accounts to show separately. 52 

Miscellaneous fund, payments shown in estimates 23 

Miscellaneous items, expenditures for 134 

Miscellaneous mail lettings, contracts 116 

Miscellaneous printed matter, third class 82 

Miscellaneous receipts — 

disposition and accounts 52 

postal accounts to show _ 52 

Misconduct — 

of acting officer, postmaster responsible, when 49 

of officer, recovery of payments made 54 

oaths to witnesses in investigations 14 

Misdemeanors — 

failure of bidder to execute contract for carrying mail 73 

or refusal of bidder to execute contract for carrying mail 75 

failure or refusal of contractor to carry mail 75 

failure to collect postage due 85 

false returns by postmasters 79 

special-delivery business 99 

improper sale or use of stamps, etc 80 

improper use of penalty envelopes 78 

franking privilege 132 

issuing money orders on credit 49 

mailing lottery matter 111 

mailing or taking obscene matter, etc., from mail to circulate 69, 70 

officer aiding in circulating obscene matter , 128 

officer or clerk receiving compensation for services in United States 

matters 10 

padding the mails 130 

political contributions 92 x 

postmasters' unlawful approval of bidders' bonds, carrying mail 64 

procuring office or contract for consideration 9 

removing canceling marks from stamps 34,85 

signing false certificate of sureties' sufficiency 64 

submitting false evidence to secure entry as second class 103 

using stamps, etc., previously used 34 

Mistake, payments made, recovered : 54 

Mobile, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Modification of money orders after issue 50 

Money belonging to postal service, transfer, how made 23 

Money due Post-Office Department — 

equity proceedings '. 17 

returns of marshals in suits for 4 

Money for unpaid money orders, disposition 118 

Money in treasury, how paid out 76 

Money-order accounts 119 

audited ' 121 

kept separate by Auditor 17 

what to show 17 

Money-order applications, preserved 49 

Money-order blanks, estimates from Public Printer, etc 92 

Money-order business — - 

clerical labor included in allowances for clerk hire 118 

compensation to postmasters 51 

net proceeds, part of postal revenue 52 

postal accounts to show revenue received 52 

postmasters' reports. 51 

Money-order clerks — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices 109 

Money-order commissions, fourth-class post-offices 95 

Money-order division, salaries of superintendents at first-class post-offices _ 107 

Money-order exchanges, foreign 49 



207 

Page. 

Money-order forms, furnished 119 

Money -order funds — 

Auditor's report of delinquencies of postmasters 66 

claims of postmasters for loss 102 

deposits authorized 62 

embezzlement, penalty 61 

exchange for other funds 61 

failure to produce 61 

loaning 61 

money in United States Treasury 51 

payments and transfers 50 

postmasters and sureties, accountable 49 

remittances by draft r 62 

transferred 51 

unlawful deposit 61 

what are 51 

Money-order offices 48 

allowances for clerks 118 

application blanks supplied 119 

bonds of postmasters 24 

furnished printed or engraved forms 119 

performance of duties during absence of postmaster 49 

supplied with blank applications for money orders 49 

Money-order service — 

blank forms, etc 92 

estimates of expenses to Congress 126 

international establishment, etc 105 

proposals for blanks 92 

Money-order statements, etc., destruction 121,128 

Money-order system — 

chief clerk, salary 18 

establishment 48 

superintendent, salary 18, 133 

Money-order transcripts as evidence 14 

Money orders — 

advices of orders issued, to be sent 50 

advices of repaid, attached to accounts 119 

altering, forging, etc., penalty 55, 103 

amount 66 

amount returned to remitters, in fraudulent schemes 112 

blank applications supplied 49,119 

changes after issue 50 

counterfeiting, etc., penalty domestic 54,103 

foreign 103 

destruction of paid, after seven years 128 

drawn free to correct errors 131 

engraving, etc., penalty 54 

fees 66, 117 

forging, etc., penalty-! 54, 103 

for lottery ticket, unmailable 111 

identification of payee required 131 

invalid after one year 118 

how paid 65 

more than one indorsement 65 

invalid after one year — 

paid by warrant 118 

issued at branch post-offices 49 

by superintendent of money-order system, when 131 

on credit, misdemeanor 49 

limited to $100 each 117 

lost invalid, paid by warrant 119 

lost, paid by duplicate 119 

new in lieu of invalid 50 

not payable after one year 50 

not valid unless on special form : 50, 119 

paid, destroyed * 121 



208 

Money orders — Continued. Page. 

passing forged or altered 103 

payment to lotteries, etc., forbidden 50, 112 

payment of invalid , 121 

presentation of forged or altered 104 

repaid, but fee not returned ■__ 50 

replacing lost order 50 

special forms 50 

statement of. unpaid one year 118 

transfer by indorsement 65 

unlawful issue 103 

valid one year 50 

Money or property embezzled 81 

Money stolen from the mail, delivery to owner upon recovery 52, 54 

Moneys expended from contingent fund, statements 5 

Moneys of Post-Office Department covered into Treasury 76 

N. 

Name, fictitious, etc., use in unlawful business, fraudulent schemes, etc 110 

National banks, deposits of public moneys by postmasters 60 

Naval service of postal clerks transferred 145 

Neglect of carriers, etc.. report by postmaster 27 

Neglect of postmaster to render quarterly accounts 26 

Neglect of telegraph company, payment withheld 60 

Neglect to account for postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

Negligence of postmasters considered in claims for losses 102 

New bonds accepted, approved, required, etc 142 

New contract for carrying mail, when made 74 

New items of expenditures in estimates, explanation required 8 

New mail route, temporary contract 74 

New money order in lieu of invalid 50 

New Orleans, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Newsdealers, postage on newspapers 32 

Newspaper envelopes with stamps impressed 33 

Newspaper postage, postal accounts to show amount received 51 

Newspapers — 

carried out of the mail 30 

detaining, delaying, embezzling, or destroying 57 

lottery advertisement, unmailable 111 

nondelivered letters advertised 35 

permissible inclosures, writing, etc 69 

postage on transient 96 

postage required of news dealers 32 

postal clerks receive and deliver packages 30 

publisher notified of nondelivery 30 

rate of postage 32,76 

second-class matter 82 

rate of postage on subscribers' copies 77 

transient, third-class mail matter 68 

unclaimed, disposal 54 

wrappers for mailing 30 

Newspaper wrappers — 

claims of postmasters for loss 102 

contracts 63. 77 

sold at cost 71 

withdrawal from mails 145 

New sureties, contracts, carrying mail 38,86 

New York — 

advertisement ocean mail service 113 

expenditures for transferring foreign mail 127 

salaries — 

Assistant postmaster 106 

Assistant superintendent money-order division 108 

Assistant superintendent of registry 107 

Auditor 108 



209 

New York — Continued. Page. 
salaries — continued. 

Draftsman 108 

Postmaster 66 

Superintendent money-order division 107 

Superintendent of delivery 107 

Superintendent of mails 107 

Superintendent of registry 107 

Superintendent of. stations 108 

Nixie clerks, etc.. salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

No allowance to officers for extra services 5 

No Department or officer to accept voluntary service ■ 112 

No illustration, engraving, or photograph used unless relating to public 

business 141 

Nondelivered foreign letters, advertising in newspapers 35 

Nondelivered letters — 

additional charge for advertising 36 

advertisement in local newspapers, etc 35 

compensation for publishing list 36 

list posted 36 

Nonmailable matter — 

delivery 84 

fictitious matter i 110 

indecent, lewd, scurrilous, defamatory, etc 105 

lottery circulars, etc 70 

obscene, indecent, etc., penalty 69, 70, 104 

treatment at office of address 84 

Nonpayment of foreign postage on certain United States matter 46 

Nonpayment of lost invalid inonej- orders, proof 120 

Nonresident parties in cases of debts due from defaulting officer, attach- 
ment issued against property 10 

No promotion made except on satisfactory evidence 147 

Norfolk, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Notary public — 

authorized to administer oaths 7 

clerk in Department, fees 111 

Notice to Auditor — 

appointment and removal of postmasters 68, 71 

mail contracts sublet 78 

Notice to bidders of opening bids ,12 

Notice to sureties, postmasters' deficiencies 81 

Notices, authority for publishing 15 

Notification to publisher when matter is refused . 30 

Notification to sender of nondelivered mail matter 131 

O. 

Oaths of office — 

administered free by chief clerk 111 

clerk as notary public, no fee 111 

employees 96 

postal employees 62 

failure to take 24 

who may administer 8,63 

Oaths- 
administered by officer holding United States commission 18 

before whom taken 7 

by sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail 37 

masters of vessels, delivery of mail 42 

of bidders for carrying mail, contents 64,72 

required of masters of vessels 42 

settlement of accounts, administered by whom 17 

to pensioners administered by fourth-class postmasters 122 

to witness in investigations 14 

when administered by officers 132 

Objects specified, bought from appropriation 142 

Obligation discharged by payment 101 

6300—07 14 



210 

Page. 

Obligations — 

for payments in excess of appropriations forbidden 142 

of Post-Office Department to bear true date 20 

of United States, advertisements in likeness of 12 

penalty for placing advertisements on 12 

Obscene matter — 

nonmailable and withdrawn from mails 69, 104, 105 

not to be transmitted by common carrier 126 

officers aiding in circulating, penalty 128 

Obstructing correspondence, penalty 31 

Obstructing the mails, penalty . 44 

Obtaining mail by fraud or deception 56,57 

Obtaining mail keys by false pretense, penalty 58 

Obtaining money by false pretenses 109, 111 

Ocean mail service — 

authority for establishment 113 

cadets 115 

commencement of service 113 

compensation 114 

construction of vessels 114 

contracts limited to two years 38 

deduction for failure 115 

duration of contract 113 

expenditures 127 

fines for irregularities _ 115 

number of trips 113 

requirements of vessels 114 

size of steamers 113 

times of sailing 113 

transportation, etc., postal clerks 115 

uses of vessels as transports and cruisers 115 

volunteers on mail vessels 115 

Ocean steamers, compensation of mail agents 48 

Offender against United States, proceedings by State officers against 4 

Offenses against foreign mails in transit across United States 46 

Offenses against United States — 

conspiring to commit i 12 

jurisdiction of United States circuit courts 65 

Offenses charged in indictment, fraudulent schemes, etc 110 

Offenses, preliminary proceedings 4 

Offering fee to officer for procuring contract or office, penalty 9 

Office furniture — 

included in annual estimates 23 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Office, oath of, who may administer 8 

Office of Postmaster-General 113 

Office of publication, second-class matter 83 

Office procured by member of Congress for consideration 9 

Officers- 
accepting fee for procuring contract or office, penalty 9 

acting as agent or attorney in claims against United States 7 

acting, named by President, when 13 

of Department 13 

administer oaths 7 

aiding in importation or circulation of obscene matter, penalty 128 

authorized to administer oath ]4 

administer oath of office , 8 

make application for warrant of attachment 11 

make searches 48 

claims allowed in suits against, when 4 

conducting preliminary proceedings in criminal cases 4 

designated to sign warrants 116 

disbursing, to pay in kind of money furnished 10 

examination for appointment 91 

extra compensation forbidden 63 



211 

Page. 
Officers — Continued. 

estimates for compensation authority 8 

failing to deposit public moneys, penalty 8 

failure to account for money received 16 

failure to deposit postal revenues, penalty 53 

filing false vouchers or receipts, penalty 7 

filling vacancy, not entitled to extra compensation 14 

forbidden to receive extra compensation • 5 

forbidden to solicit contributions . 91 

holding United States commission, may administer oath 18 

in arrears, compensation withheld 4 

making political contributions forbidden 92 

may administer oath, when 132 

not entitled to compensation, when 14 

not to hold two offices, except 121 

not to receive double salaries 7 

not to solicit contributions for gifts to superior 15 

of bureaus, acting 13 

of Department 133, 143 

debts due from defaulting, attachment issued, when 10 

no fee as notary public, when 111 

signing false certificate as to sureties 64 

of United States not liable for costs or fees 3 

political contributions, not compelled to make 91 

Railway Mail Service 135 

receiving compensation from interested persons in United States mat- 
ters, penalty 10 

traveling expenses, Railway Mail Service : 111 

Official bonds, etc. — 

altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

examination 123 

limit of liability of sureties 104 

renewal 124 

Official compensation not paid from contingent fund 15 

Official compulsion to make political contributions 91 

Official correspondence of Members of Congress transmitted free 130, 140 

Official envelopes — 

contracts signed by whom 77 

for all departments, contracts 123 

penalty for unlawful use 78 

who may use 77 

Official forms of papers, Auditor's report to Postmaster-General 66 

Official matter — 

part paid, delivered free, except 96 

registered free 35, 96 

transported by express, etc 116 

Official papers, forms decided by Postmaster-General 76 

Official postal guide, contract, four years 124 

Official. Railway Mail Service 145 

Official seal, custody, use 19 

Official superiors not to receive gift from subordinates 15 

Old files of useless papers, disposition, etc 106,143 

Omission of postage on special-delivery letters, not to delay trans- 
mission 105 

Open contracts permitted in exigencies 63 

Opening communications for fraudulent purposes, penalty 60 

Opening letters forbidden 105,110,112 

Opening mail forbidden 50,56 

Opening newspapers improperly, penalty 57 

Opening of bids — ' 

bidders to be notified 12 

for carrying mail 37 

Opening of mail by postal employee, penalty 30 

Opening of proposals for supplies » 120 

Opening sealed matter of first class, forbidden — 105 

Open purchases, permitted, articles required immediately 63 



212 



Orders — 

contracts, etc., to bear true date 20 

in writing required, to waive allotments for appropriations 142 

originating claims, etc., certified to Auditor 20 

under contract not assignable 9 

Ordinary stamps on special delivery mail 149 

Original jurisdiction of circuit courts in postal suits 6,65 

Original receipt to Auditor for deposit of postal revenues 117 

Orphans of soldiers and sailors, not dismissed, when 75 

Outstanding appropriations, amount designated in annual estimates 8 

Overcharges on mail matter refunded 141 

Owner of stolen property recovered " 54 

P. 

Pacific railroads, compensation for amil transportation 9 

Packages — 

containing letters, seized and forfeited 43 

exauiined ' 84 

first-class rates, when 84 

limit of weight 66 

newspapers, postal clerks receive and deliver 30 

Packets, delivery, on steamboats 40 

Padding the mails, penalty 130 

Paid money orders, destroyed 121 

Pamphlets, etc., third-class matter 68 

Pamphlets for the blind, transmission 141 

Panama, mail agency 47 

Paper distributors, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices 109 

"Paper goods" fraud : 109 

Papers — 

indorsed with date of filing 20 

forms of official, decided by Postmaster-General 76 

furnished Department of Justice in suits against delinquents 17 

sale of useless 106 

Part-paid official matter, delivered free, except 96 

Part-paid postage, matter forwarded 31 

Passage of the mails, penalty for retarding 44 

Passing altered or forged money order 55, 103 

Patent — 

double postal cards, forbidden 86 

letter-sheet envelopes, forbidden 86 

Patrons may erect lock boxes in post-offices 53 

Pay- 
carrying mails on railroads 61 

city carriers for extra service 103 

clerks, carriers, acting or substitute 149 

clerks in first and second class offices 146 

Department employees 18 

mail contractors, lien by carrier 88 

withheld, when 89 

railroads additional 61 

withheld, when 62 

railway postal clerks on leave of absence _:_ 136 

railway post-office cars 149 

rural carriers 147 

special delivery messengers 98 

subcontractors carrying mail • 78 

substitutes for clerks and carriers 148 

substitute rural carriers r 146,147 

Payee- 
identification required on money order 131 

lost money order, may secure duplicate 50 

transfer money order by written indorsement 65 



213 

Page. 

Paying officer requiring voucher for amount greater than paid, penalty 

for 7 

Payments — 

amount due, discharges obligation 101 

application, after execution of new bond- 25 

auxiliary employees in post-offices 148 

balances on judgments obtained by claimants against United States 68 

by disbursing officers made in money furnished + 10 

by postmasters, appropriations charged 20 

claims for losses exceeding $10,000, forbidden until 126 

compensation to delinquent officers forbidden 4 

debts due Post-Office Department, enforced by Auditor 16 

from contingent fund for clerical services,^ forbidden 15 

invalid money orders 65,118,121 

less sum than stated in vouchers, penalty 7 

lost invalid money orders 119 

lost money orders, by duplicate 119 

made on certificates of Auditor v 53 

made on fraudulent representations, mistakes, etc 54 

miscellaneous items by postmasters 134 

money orders to lottery, etc., schemes, forbidden, when 50,112 

not to be made in advance 3 

not to exceed value of articles 3 

of claims withheld, when claimants indebted to United States 68 

officer assisting in prosecution of claims against United States, for 

bidden 7 

of money-order funds 50 

of postage by stamps 33 

on contracts for carrying the mail, begin 38 

on warrants of Postmaster-General 76 

postage due 31 

postage, third-class matter 76 

postal revenues into United States Treasury 117 

public money, ordered by Postmaster-General ^ :_ 27 

rejected claims 97 

rent of post-office boxes 31 

salaries of postal employees by postmasters 96 

special delivery messengers 138 

substitute clerk or carrier 141 

temporary employees for actual service 149 

to incapacitated employees, forbidden 133 

to postmasters for losses, authorized 102 

transfer of balances due from postmasters to contractors 53 

transferred money-order 65 

warrant showing appropriation charged . 24 

Pecuniary ability of bidder for carrying mail 64,72 

Penalties and forfeitures, collection by Auditor 16 

disposition, when recovered 54 

Penalties — 

accepting voluntary service 143 

accessory to robbery of the mail 60 

stealing mail 4 

altering, etc., bonds, records, etc., to defraud United States 59 

altering, etc., money orders 55 

assaulting letter carriers 28 

assault on railway postal clerk on duty 138 

attempting to rob the mails 58 

breaking bulk before delivering letters 43 

burglary of post-office, etc 59 

carrying letters outside the mail on mail vessels 42 

carrying mail by private express 41 

circulating lottery matter by interstate commerce, etc 124 

concealing stolen United States property 67 

conspiracy 12 

to defraud United States 86 

to violate United States statute 86 



214 

Penalties — Continued. Page. 

counterfeit-money schemes 109 

counterfeiting, bids, etc., to defraud United States 59 

counterfeiting, etc., foreign postage stamps 55 

cutting, injuring, etc., mail bags, locks, etc 58 

delaying, destroying, etc., newspapers 57 

delivery of mail locks and keys to unauthorized persons 59 

deserting the mail 58 

destroying letter boxes or mail matter therein 138 

destroying mail by postal employees 30 

detaining mail matter by postal employees 30 

driver, carrying letters outside the mail 42 

embezzlement by postal employees of valuable mail 56 

money-order funds 61 

of Government funds, etc 81 

post-office property 58 

embezzling mail, etc 57 

employee of Department acting as agent for contractor 21 

entering combination to prevent bidding for carrying the mail 38 

failure of contractors to carry mail 75 

failure of master of foreign vessel to deliver mail on arrival 47 

failure to account for postage stamps, etc : 53 

to account for public money 16 

to collect or account, postage due 85 

to comply with schedule on railroads 145 

to deliver mail from steamboats 40 

to deposit postal revenues 53 

to deposit public moneys 8 

to execute contract for carrying mail 73,75 

to provide suitable postal cars 88 

false evidence to secure entry as second-class matter 141 

false personation of United States officer 95 

false returns by postmasters 79 

special-delivery business 99 

false swearing of sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail 73 

filing false vouchers or receipts 7 

forging bonds, etc., to defraud United States 59 

mail key, etc 59 

money orders 55,104 

fraudulent schemes 109 

green-goods schemes 109 

improper collection of mails 41 

improper sales of postage stamps, etc 53 

improper use of franking privilege *__ 132 

of official envelopes 78 

of stamps, etc : 80 

inclosing higher class in lower class matter 102 

inclosing writing in lower class matter 30 

increasing weight of mails unlawfully 130 

injuring letter boxes _ 28 

intercepting ordinary mail 31 

issuing money orders on credit 49 

loaning, using, etc.. public moneys 6 

lottery, etc., schemes 111 

mailing indecent, etc., matter 69,70 

mailing lottery matter 70, 111 

mailing obscene matter, etc 104 

mailing scurrilous, etc., matter 105 

making contracts in excess of appropriations 143 

making expenditures in excess of appropriations 143 

making gift to superiors 15 

obstructing correspondence 31 

obstructing the mails 44 

offering fee to officer for procuring contract- or office 9 

officer accepting fee for procuring contract or office 9 

acting as agent in prosecution of claims against United States 7 



215 

Penalties — Continued. Page. 
officers accepting fee for procuring contract or office — continued. 

aiding in circulating obscene matter 128 

receiving compensation in United States matters 10 

opening mail by postal employees 30 

owner of vehicle carrying letters outside the mail 42 

passing forged, etc., money orders i 104 

paying debts with postage stamps 80 

payment of less sum than stated in voucher 7 

placing advertisement on obligations of United States 12 

pledging postage stamps 80 

political contributions, collecting, etc 92 

postal employees and others removing canceling marks 34 

removing stamps from mail matter 34 

using previously used stamps 34 

postmaster dealing in lottery tickets 27 

failing to render quarterly account 27 

presenting forged, etc., money orders for payment 104 

publishing forged bids, etc., to defraud United States 59 

receiving articles stolen from the mails 57 

receiving gifts from subordinates 15 

receiving stolen United States property 67 

receiving unauthorized deposits 11 

receiving unlawful postage 31 

refusal of contractor to carry mail 75 

refusal to execute contract for carrying mail 75 

refusing to transport mail at ferry : ,. 44 

removing canceling marks from postage stamps 34,85 

robbery of the mail : 58 

scheme to defraud 60 

sending obscene matter by express, etc __ 126 

setting up post-office without authority 24 

signing false certificate of sureties' sufficiency 64 

soliciting contributions for gift to superiors 15 

stealing, etc., mail bags, etc 58 

submitting false evidence to secure entry as second class 103 

taking from mails to circulate scurrilous, etc., matter 105 

taking obscene matter from the mails to circulate „ 69, 70, 104 

transmitting letters by private express 42 

transporting persons unlawfully carrying mail 41 

unlawful approval of bidder's bond, etc., carrying mail 64 

unlawful detention of mail by postmasters 30 

unlawfully issuing money orders T 104 

unlawful use of words " U. S. Mail "__ . 41 

use of advertisements in likeness of obligations of United States 12 

use of fictitious names, etc 110 

using stamps with canceling marks removed 85 

using postage stamps previously used 34 

uttering forged bonds, etc., to defraud United States 59 

wearing unlawfully letter-carriers' uniforms 28 

Penalties, remitted, when 21 

Penalty envelopes — ■ 

inclosed for reply 97 

who may use 77 

Penalty matter, restrictions on articles admitted to mails r 145 

Penalty privilege, restrictions on articles admitted to mails 145 

Pension roll, civil, prohibited ,_ 131 

Pension vouchers executed before fourth-class postmasters 122 

Per diem allowance — 

assistant superintendent, free delivery 131 

Railway Mail Service 1 135,139 

registry system 135 

inspectors in the field 136,147 

inspectors while temporarily located at one place 147 

Performance of duties — 

during absence of postmaster at money-order offices 49 

postmasters 25 



216 

Page. 

Performance of extra services without additional compensation 5 

Performance of service — 

by contractor carrying mail, penalty for failure 73, 89 

carrying mail, condition of bidder's bond 64 

Period of detention of seized mail matter 43 

Periodicals — 

of institutions of learning, etc., second-class matter 120 

of State departments of agriculture, second-class matter 132 

postage on transient 96 

postage required of newsdealers 32 

publishers notified of nondelivery 30 

rate of postage 76,77 

second-class matter 82 

unclaimed, regulations for disposal 54 

Perjury, defined, false swearing of sureties on bonds of bidders for carry- 
ing mail '. 73 

Permanent appropriations 15 

Permissible additions — 

on third-class matter 102 

to fourth-class matter 102 

Permissible inclosures in newspapers 69 

Permissible writing, etc., on second-class matter 69, 101 

Perquisites — 

beyond salary, forbidden . 63 

postal employees not to receive, from public 27 

Personal correspondence forbidden in third and fourth class matter 102 

Personal service — 

in excess of appropriations, forbidden 142 

of postmasters, salaries, full compensation 118 

Persons — 

employed in detecting mail depredations, names not required in esti- 
mates 23 

having in custody the mail, deemed carriers 138 

incapacitated, not employed in postal service 136 

transporting mail, exempted from militia duty 3 

unlawfully conveying mail, transportation forbidden 41 

Philadelphia — 

advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Photographs in public documents . 141 

Pictures of living persons not permitted on postal currency 11 

Place of delivery by contractors for supplies 120 

Plank roads, contract for carrying mails 39 

Plank roads, post-roads 39 

Plants, seeds, bulbs, etc., rate of postage 104 

Pledging postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

" Point print " or raised characters used by the blind, transmitted as 

third-class matter 132 

Political contributions — 

employees not compelled to make 91 

penalty for collecting 92 

soliciting by Government employees forbidden 91 

to officers, forbidden 92 

Population necessary for free-delivery service 99 

Porters, etc. — • 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Portland, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Portraits on postal currency, restrictions 11 

Possession of counterfeit stamps, etc.. penalty 55 

Possession of embezzled property, penalty , 67 

Postage — ■ 

collection on second-class matter 129 

Congressional Record, transient 65 

correspondence by members of Congress 130 

demanding unlawful rate, penalty 31 

double on ship letters 32 



217 

Page. 
Postage — Continued. 

double rates, collected, when - — 31 

drop letters 32. 98 

insufficiently prepaid 36 

due, collection 31, 85 

failure to collect or account for 85 

on special-delivery letters, collection 105 

stamps 85 

foreign mail 32 

fourth-class matter 84 

free Congressional Record mailed by Members of Congress 67 

seeds, etc., mailed by Members of Congress, etc _ 67 

identical pieces, third and fourth class matter 140 

in excess of lawful rate, may be refunded 141 

newspapers sent by newsdealers 32 

on letters 76 

on matter containing unlawful inclosures 102 

on newspapers 32 

on packages 84 

on postal cards in foreign mails 87 

on printed matter 77 

on second-class matter 85,97 

on special-delivery letters 105 

on third-class matter 76 

on undelivered mail, prepaid before remailing, when 139 

paid by stamps attached 33 

paid to foreign vessels carrying mail : 47 

part paid, matter forwarded 31 

prepaid 31 

on returned mail matter 130 

rating up 29 

retaliatory, on certain foreign matter, when imposed 46 

seeds, bulbs, plants, etc . 104 

stamps, claims of postmasters for loss 102 

contracts signed by whom, etc * 63, 77 

defaced 33 

denominations 33 

failure to account for, penalty 53 

forging, etc., penalty 55 

furnished to postmasters for sale 33 

improvements 33 

included in annual estimates 23 

payment of debts, penalty 80 

pledging, hypothecating, etc., penalty 53 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

revenue received 51 

postal employees using previously used, penalty 34 

previously used, penalty for use 34, 

purchase of merchandise, penalty 80 

sold at face value only 80 

third-class matter 32 

unpaid on foreign mails, collected - 32 

on letters sent to Dead-Letter Office 36 

Postal accounts — 

and vouchers preserved by Auditor ' 65 

audited and preserved 65, 121 

closed quarterly by Auditor 65 

not revised after payment 122 

Postal agency — 

Shanghai. China 48 

Yokohama. Japan 48 

Postal business and agencies in foreign countries, report to Congress 22 

Postal-car service — 

changes reported 81 

separate item in annual estimates 81 



218 

Page. 

Postal cars — 

equipment 88 

equipped, etc., by railroad companies 82 

penalty for violent entry 138 

Postal cards — 

addresses 71 

bearing indecent matter, etc., not mailable, penalty 69,70 

claims of postmasters for loss 102 

contracts 03, 77 

counterfeiting, etc., penalty 55 

delivery by contractor 120 

double 80 

first-class matter 82 

in foreign mails- 87' 

manufacture . 33 

postal employees using previously used, penalty 31 

rates of postage 33,82 

regulations 33 

rules for using 33 

secreting, penalty 31 

sold for casb and at face value only 80 

transmission through ma'ils 33 

use 33 

withdrawn during weighing season j!5 

Postal clerks — 

appointment 48 

classification 89, 150, 115 

deposit and receipt of mail 41 

designation 89 

free transportation 125, 127 

leave of absence with pay 136 

ocean mail service, transportation, etc 115 

penalty for assaulting 138 

preference in transfer 145 

receive and deliver packages of newspapers 30 

residence , 123 

salaries 89, 150, 151 

substitute for absent 141 

traveling expenses 116 

uniform 81 

Postal conventions — 

arrangements for money-order exchanges 49 

copy for Public Printer ,. ' 13 

copy revised by Post-Office Department 13 

copy sent to Secretary of State . 13 

international money-order service 105 

printed 13 

Secretary of State furnished copy 19 

with foreign countries 19 

Postal currency not to bear portrait of living person 11 

Postal employees — 

classification 90 

detaining newspapers, etc 57 

embezzlement or destruction of valuable mail, penalty 55 

forbidden to use stamps previously used 34 

instructed by Postmaster-General 76 

not exempt from penalties, etc., for failure to take oath 24 

oath of office 62 

removal of stamps from mail matter, penalty 34 

weigh mails 66 

Postal expenditures. Auditor's statement 66 

Postal expenses paid from postal revenues 53 

Postal finance, bond of superintendent 133 

Postal funds — 

claims of postmasters for loss 102 

depositaries to keep separate accounts 6 



219 

Page. 
Postal funds — Continued. 

reports of, by depositaries to Post-Office Department 6 

safe-keeping by postmasters 27 

transferred to money-order funds 51 

transferred when, by whom 23 

Postal guide, contract four years 324 

Postal laws — 

executed by Postmaster-General 76 

fines, penalties, etc., for violations, bow disposed of 54 

jurisdiction of circuit courts in suits under 6 

district courts in suits under 6 

suits under, brought in name of United States 23 

Postal receipts — 

Auditor's statement 66 

deduction of salaries and expenses at post-offices___ 27 

how ascertained 94 

Postal revenues — 

appropriated for postal expenditures 53 

brought into Treasury by warrant 20 

charge on advertised letters . 36 

deposits by postmasters \ 27 

not liable for lost registered matter 34 

paid into Treasury 20,117 

payments by postmasters 96 

penalty, failure to deposit 53 

transferred to money-order account 51 

Postal routes, temporary service 90 

Postal service — 

accounts to show sources of revenue 51 

employees, estimates for appropriations 23 

expenses. Auditor'* report 17 

Postal suits — 

brought in name of United States 23 

continuances, judgments, etc 4 

reports of proceedings 23 

tried in State courts 24 

warrant of attachment, when issued 10 

Postal supplies, withdrawn from mail during weighing period 145 

Postal treaties with foreign countries 19 

Postal Union, postage to foreign countries not in 32 

Post cards, authorized 129 

Posting list of advertised matter 36 

Posting of lists of nondelivered letters 35 

Postmarking stamps, etc., postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Postmaster-General — 

accept new sureties on mail contracts 38 

acting, who may be 13 

adopt improvements in stamps and stamped envelopes 33 

allow credit for certain losses 102 

alter distribution of clerks 7 

annual estimates for appropriations 23 

annual reports of financial condition of Department 71 

to Congress 21 

appointment Assistant Attorney-General 18 

certain postmasters 71 

chief clerks, Railway Mail Service 135 

General Superintendent of Railway Mail Service 135 

inspectors 144 

postmasters 68 

appointment 18 

approve bonds of disbursing officers 8 

bonds of inspectors 47 

authorize delivery of mail locks and keys 59 

publication of advertisements, etc 15 

sale of post-route maps 133 

subletting mail contracts 78 



220 

Page. 
Postmaster-General — Continued. 

balances on postal accounts certified by Auditor 65 

cause all reports to Congress to be printed 22 

issuance of duplicate for lost money order 50 

mail to be carried by steamboat 40 

suit for recovery of wrong payments, etc 54 

classify and fix salaries of clerks in post-offices 106, 108 

consent to compromises, etc 21 

contract for free-delivery supplies 109 

ocean mail service - 113 

without advertising, carrying mail on railroads 37 

control expenditures . ■ 76 

copy of postal conventions to be furnished Public Printer by 13 

countersign postmasters' commissions 63 

decide what trains shall carry mails • 82 

deduct pay for failure to perform service, carrying mail 39 

deliver to owner stolen property recovered 54 

designate amount of bidder's bond, carrying mail 64 

amount of outstanding appropriations in annual estimates 8 

clerks to sign warrants in his stead 147 

distributing offices 68 

officer to sign warrants 116 

superintendent, free delivery 60 

direct manner of paying balances 76 

purchases from contingent fund 6 

discontinue post-offices : 76 

duties, not connected with postal service 76 

employ special agents (inspectors) 47 

enforce prompt accounting 76 

establish international money-order service 105 

money-order system 48 

ocean mail service 113 

post-offices 24,76 

execute postal laws 76 

explain new items of expenditures in estimates 8 

extend contracts for carrying mail 72 

mail routes 40 

fix bond of superintendent of postal finance 133 

compensation, false returns 79 

special-delivery business : 99 

rates when Congress fails, railroad routes 44 

telegraph rates 60 

forbid delivery lottery matter 112 

payment of money orders to lotteries, etc., when 112 

furnish annual estimates to Secretary of Treasury 133 

forms for money orders 50 

stamps and stamped envelopes to postmasters 33 

give details in communicating estimates 5 

have mails weighed 66 

head of Post-Office Department . 18 

instruct postal employees 76 

issue "fictitious" order 110 

warrants to cover money into Treasury and pay out same 76 

make allowances for clerical services at separating offices 68 

contracts for carrying mail on steamships 40 

new contract for carrying mail in case of failing bidder 73 

for carrying mail in case of failing contractor 74 

temporary contract for carrying mail 74 

negotiate postal conventions = 19 

not bound to consider bid of former failing contractor 38 

not to dismiss soldiers, etc., when j. 75 

not to receive compensation from any person for services in United 

States matters , 10 

oath of office 62 

office of 143 

official papers, forms '. 76 



221 

Page. 
Postmaster-General — Continued. 

pay expenses of postal clerks at sea 136 

expenses of weighing mails 66 

prepare postage stamps 33 

prescribe manner of keeping accounts 76 

proof of indorsement on money orders 65 

regulations 75 

for free mailing of Congressional Record 67 

for free mailing of seeds, etc 67 

for return of lottery, etc., registered mail 112 

time and form of depositaries' reports 6 

money-order applications preserved 49 

promote clerks in post-offices 109 

provided for carrying mail on post-roads .. 39 

for separate carriage of letter mail, when 65 

stamped envelopes 33 

readjust compensation to railroads carrying mails 61, 70 

recommend compensations to railroads 1 82 

reduce rate of postage, foreign mails 32 

remit payment of additional postage on unlawful inclosures 102 

removal 18 

remove postmasters 68, 71 

report employees' efficiency 111 

reports, required of Auditor 66 

to Congress annually, estimates of revenues and expenditures 146 

claims for losses 103 

useless papers 106 

salary 18 

send copy of postal conventions to Secretary of State 13 

superintend Department business 76 

disposal of Department funds 76 

term of office 18 

transfer money-order funds by warrant 50,51 

postal funds 23 

who may be acting 150 

Postmasters — 

accountable for money-order funds at stations 49 

receipts at post-offices ., 52 

revenues accrued, whether collected or not 52 

stamps and stamped envelopes 33 

accounts audited 121 

of special-delivery business, adjusted by Auditor 90 

preserved two years 54 

rendered quarterly.: 26 

sworn to - 26 

acting, compensation 86 

allowance for clerk hire at separating offices 68 

special delivery of mail 98 

appointment and removal 68,71 

approve sureties on bond of bidders for carrying mail 64 

attach to accounts, advices of repaid money orders 119 

Auditor's report of delinquencies to Postmaster-General 66 

disbursements 17 

balances due, evidence in suits 14 

transferred to contractors in payment 53 

bonds approved : 77, 117 

conditions, etc 24 

renewal 25, 142 

certificates, lost money orders 119 

classified 71 

commissions issued 63 

compensation : 92, 93,94 

foreign money-order exchanges 49 

for money-order business 51 

debts due from defaulting, attachment issued, when 10 

defacing of postage stamps 33 



222 

Page. 
Postmasters — Continued. 

deficiencies in accounts reported, etc 81 

delinquency, certified copies of accounts as evidence 14 

deliver records to successors 26 

delivery of fictitious matter 110 

deposit money-order funds 62 

postal revenues 27 

public moneys in national banks 60 

designated as disbursing officers 96 

duties 25 

performed during absence 49 

embezzlement money-order funds 61 

examine mail matter 29 

exempted from militia duty 3 

expiration of commission 25 

failure to deface stamps reported 34 

false returns : 79 

special-delivery business 99 

fictitious addresses, etc., identification 110 

forbidden to open registered lottery letters 35 

fourth-class, oath to pensioners 122 

furnished stamped envelopes and stamps, by whom 33 

general authority for expenditures 127 

increase of salary 28 

instructed not to deliver fraudulent matter, etc., when 112 

interest on deposits, not to receive 60 

issue money orders at stations 49 

issuing money orders unlawfully 104 

keep office open, etc 25 

liability on official bonds 124 

mail copyright articles 15 

married women, bonds 24 

money-order accounts 119 

monthly statements unpaid money orders one year old 118 

neglect to render accounts, penalty 26 

New York, N. Y., salary 66 

notify publisher when patron refuses publication 30 

not to act as lottery agents 27 

not to be contractors, etc 27 

not to deliver lottery matter 111 

not to retain more than compensation 27 

papers in suits against delinquent 17 

pay for miscellaneous items ". 134 

payments after new bond, how applied 25 

charged to appropriations 20 

of transferred money orders 65 

penalty for failure to deposit postal revenues 53 

failure to render quarterly account 27 

post list of nondelivered letters 36 

preserve money-order applications : 49 

presidential, term of office, four years 71 

quarterly accounts, affidavit required 79 

quarterly returns as evidence . 14 

quarterly return of accounts 26 

receipt for copyright articles 15 

records to be preserved 26 

refund excess postage collected 141 

removal 68, 71 

remove wrappers to examine mail matter 29 

repay money orders 50 

report delinquencies of contractors, etc 27 

reports of money-order business 51 

report quarterly to Postmaster-General, deposits of public moneys 60 

require identification of payees of money orders 131 

reside within delivery of office 24 

responsible for immediate delivery of special delivery matter 98 

public property - 25 



223 

Page. 
Postmasters — Continued. 

return to sender, mail addressed to lottery, etc., when 112 

salaries . 92, 94 

full compensation 118 

readjusted 95 

search for matter improperly rated 29 

send advice of money orders issued 50 

signing false certificate as to sureties 64 

successors appointed, etc 25 

suits on bonds, limited to three years 25 

unlawful approval of bond of bidder for carrying mail 64 

unlawful detention of mail, penalty 30 

use of public money, forbidden 27 

vacancies in office 25 

vouchers submitted to Auditor 28 

when claims allowed in suits against 4 

Post-office boxes, payment of rent 31 

Post-office building — 

burglary, etc., penalty 59 

unfit for use, rent ceases 97 

Post-office clerks — 

bonds 130 

promoted by Postmaster-General 109 

Post-office Department — 

collection of debts due, superintended by Auditor 16 

expenses controlled by Postmaster-General 76 

financial condition 71 

officers 133 

report of depositaries to 6 

copy of postal conventions 13 

Post-office inspectors — 

advances for expenses 53 

designation 87 

expenses not covered by per diem 146 

in charge 137 

number 137, 150 

per diem, in the held 147 

located on duty away from home 136 

salary 150 

statements as evidence 14 

without per diem 137 

Post-offices — 

advanced to higher class 95 

at county seats not to be discontinued 125 

branch offices established 29 

issue of money orders 49 

burglary, etc., penalty 59 

classification and salaries of clerks . 106, 108 

* clerk's leave of absence 113 

contracts for carrying mail to and from 40 

detail of clerks— 97 

discontinued 28, 76 

established by whom 24, 76 

- inspectors in charge, when 25 

opened, when 25 

patrons may erect lock boxes and drawers 53 

penalty for using sign without authority 24 

postmasters accountable for receipts , 52 

power of Congress to establish : -3 

promotion of clerks 109 

records of supplies and money received and disbursed 26 



sell stamps and stamped envelopes. 



33 



vacancies as postmasters promptly filled 25 

Post-office stations — 

establishment, limitations 125 

issue of money orders 49 



224 

N 

Post-roads — 

change of terminus .__ 40 

established 39 

power of Congress to establish . 3 

provisions for carrying mail 39 

Post-route maps — 

contract for printing 123 

sale to public 133 

Post routes — 

defined 95 

discontinuance, service 40 

Pouch, mail, injuring, etc., penalty 58 

Powers of telegraph companies, restrictions 12 

Preference — 

in transfer from Railway Mail Service 145 

of soldiers and sailors for appointment 11 

to domestic productions, in purchasing supplies 140 

to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors, departmental service 91 

to Government in mail transportation on land-grant railroads 9 

Preliminary proceedings in criminal cases 4 

Prepaid letters, forwarded without additional charge 37 

Prepaid rate of postage on newspapers _ 76 

Prepayment of postage 31 

fourth-class matter 84 

on returned matter 130,139 

sender notified when 131 

third-class matter 1 76 

Prepayment of — 

registry fees 1 35 

second-class postage 96 

Presenting forged, etc., bonds, to defraud United States, penalty 59 

Presents to official superiors 15 

Preservation — 

of bids for carrying mail 37 

of Department records, etc., regulations for 75 

of postmasters' accounts and vouchers 54 

President — 

annual contracts unlawfully procured 9 

appoint and remove certain postmasters 68 

Auditor for Post-Office Department 65 

certain postmasters 71 

authorize advances to disbursing officers '___ 3 

name acting officers, when 13 

quarterly report by heads of departments 129 

report of classification of postal employees 90 

sign commissions of certain postmasters 63 

Presidential postmasters, term of office, four years 71 

Pressmen, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Prevention of conception, matter relating to, not mailable, penalty 69, 104 

Previously used postage stamps, penalty for use 34 

Price to public of post-route maps : 133 

Printed address on postal cards 71 

Printed forms for money orders 50,119 

Printed matter — 

defined 84 

on envelopes furnished by Government -._ 123 

postage on 77 

unclaimed in post-offices, regulations for disposal 54 

Printed proof of postal conventions 'revised at Post-Office Department 19 

Printer, Public, copy of postal conventions to be furnished 13 

Printers, salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Printing — 

annual reports 123 

books for Departments, restriction on illustration 141 

books or documents, authority 142 

estimates 16 



225 

Page. 
Printing — Continued. 

inclosed in lower class matter 102 

mail contracts 123 

not to be in excess of appropriation 123 

on second-class matter, what permissible 101 

on stamped envelopes, forbidden 33 

postal conventions 13 

public, done only when authorized by law 123 

reports to Congress 127 

special requisition 123 

to be done at Government Printing Office 13 

unlawfully, postage stamps, etc., penalty 55 

upon vessels, vehicles, etc., " United States Mail " 41 

written requisition 16 

Priority of Government telegrams on certain lines 60. 

Private express — 

carrying mail forbidden 41,81 

permitted, when 81 

letters transmitted by. forbidden 42 

Private mailing cards, authorized 129 

Private secretary to Postmaster-General 133,143 

Privileges of telegraph companies, restrictions 12 

Prize lists, unmailable 111 

Prize schemes matter unmailable 111 

Proceedings — 

in equity for money due Post-Office Department IT 

in postal suits, reports of 23 

on failures of bidder or contractor for carrying mail 72 

to enforce forfeiture, mail unlawfully concealed 43 

United States interested, penalty for officer receiving compensation 

for services 10 

where indebtedness of claimant to United States is denied 68 

Proceeds — 

from money-order business, part of postal revenue 52 

of sale of post-route maps 133 

of useless papers 106 

of dead letters, disposition 37 

of stolen property recovered, delivery to owner 54 

Procuring abortion, letters, etc. concerning 104 

Procuring contract for consideration, penalty 9 

Procuring office for consideration, penalty 9 

Professional societies' publications, second-class matter 121 

Progress of mail retarded, remedy 65 

Prohibition of civil pension roll 131 

Promoting fraudulent schemes, etc., use of fictitious names 110 

Promotions — 

made by Department, evidence 147 

of city carriers 89 

of clerks and carriers, limitations 148 

of clerks in post-offices s, 109.147 

railway postal clerks 151 

Promptness, delivery of letters from steamboats 40 

Proof of nonpayment, lost invalid money orders 120 

Property in Post-Office Department, record and report 19 

Property of Department — 

regulations for use, etc 75 

stealing, embezzlement, etc 58 

Property of parties, being removed, attachment issued 11 

Property of United States, embezzlement, etc 67 

Property stolen from the mail, delivery to owner upon recovery 54 

Proposals — ■ 

altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States: penalty 59 

and contracts, furnished separately to purchasing agent 140 

authority for publishing 15 

carrying mails between United States and foreign countries 45 

bond required 64 

destroyed, when ^ 130 

6300—07 15 



226 

Proposals — Continued. Page, 
carrying mails between United States and foreign countries — con. 

domestic water routes 79 

not considered without guarantee 72 

opening, etc 37 

record, kept in Post-Office Department 130 

to have written guarantee 72 

withdrawn, when 37 

without bond, not considered 64 

contracts for carrying mail 116 

domestic water routes, old service 79 

furnishing money-order blanks, etc 92 

ocean mail service 113 

sale of useless papers 106 

supplies, etc., advertising 63, 120 

without bonds not considered, carrying mail 64 

Proposed expenditures, law authorizing, cited in estimates 5 

Prosecutions for failure of bidder to execute contract for carrying mail, 

what constitutes evidence 75 

for failure of contractor to carry mail, what constitutes evidence 75 

for money due Post-Office Department, directed by Department of 

Justice 17 

lottery, etc., schemes 112 

in State courts, for violation of postal laws 24 

of claims against United States, penalty for officer acting as attorney- 7 

of contractors or postmasters, certified copies of accounts as evidence- 14 

Protection — 

to foreign mails in transit across United States 46 

to officers making seizures for violating postal laws 43 

Provisions — ■ 

for carrying mail on post roads '. 39 

for rural postal stations 138 

for substitutes for clerks and carriers 148 

relating to per diem of post-office inspectors 132 

Public advertisement, evidence of agency in lottery, etc., schemes 112 

Public buildings — - 

letter boxes placed therein 101 

political contributions forbidden 91 

Public documents mailed free, by whom . 122 

Public moneys — 

agents disbursing, give bonds , 8 

loaning, using, or unauthorized deposit 

not to be loaned 27 

penalty for failure to deposit 8 

penalty for receiving unauthorized deposits 11 

to be safely kept . 27 

Public offices, political contributions forbidden 91 

Public Printer — 

copy of postal conventions to be furnished 13 

estimate for money-order blanks ,. 92 

to print postal conventions 13 

Public printing done when authorized by law 123 

Public records, etc., altering, forging, etc., to defraud United States, 

penalty 59 

Public roads, post routes 95 

Publication — 

of advertisements, authority 15 

of nondelivered letters, frequency 35 

Publication, postal conventions 19 

Publications — 

certain second-class mail matter 68 

third-class mail matter 68 

of fraternal societies, etc., second-class matter 120 

postage on second-class 97 

• violating any copyright 83 



227 

Publishers — Continued. Page. 

notified when matter is refused 30 

of unclaimed printed matter may pay postage due 54 

Publishing — 

altered, etc., records, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

forged or altered money order 55,103 

list of nondelivered letters, compensation 30 

Punishment for depredations on foreign mails in transit across United 

States 46 

Purchases — 

from contingent fund 6 

not made unless authorized by law 8 

of money-order blanks, etc 92 

of postal supplies by purchasing agent 139 

of supplies, made by advertising 63 

Purchasing agent — 

appointment, bond, duties, etc 139 

give preference to domestic productions 140 

make purchases 140 

Post-Oflice Department 143 

salary '. 139 

Purchasing supplies by purchasing agent 140 

Purloining mail bags, mail keys, etc., penalty 58 

Q. 

Qualifications of sureties on bonds of bidders for carrying mail 73 

Quarterly accounts of postmasters, affidavit required 26,79 

Quarterly report — 

Postmaster-General to President 129 

postmasters' disbursements 17 

Quarterly return of postmasters' accounts 26 

Quarterly returns of postal receipts 94 

Quarterly returns of postmasters as evidence 14 

Quarterly settlements of postal accounts 66 

Quarterly statement by Auditor, postmasters' payments 20 

R. 

Railroad companies equip postal cars 82 

Railroad routes — 

classified 1 44 

weighing mails 66 

Railroad stations, letter boxes placed therein 101 

Railroads — 

additional pay 61 

carrying mail, reduction of compensation 70 

compensation for carrying mails reduced 80,96 

comply with contract schedule 145 

contracts for carrying mail, without advertising 37 

failure to provide suitable cars 88 

furnish Department data of operation 82 

.land grant, compensation for carrying mail 71 

Pacific, compensation for mail transportation 9 

payments withheld, when 62 

post-roads 39 

Railway adjustment, superintendent 134 

Railway company to carry mail on any train 44 

Railway mail clerks — 

preference in transfer 145 

residence 123 

Railway Mail Service — 

acting or substitute clerks, pay 149 

appointment of postal clerks 48 

assistant general superintendent 144 



228 

Page. 
Railway Mail Service — Continued. 

assistant superintendents, authorized 128 

ears equipped by railroads 82 

chief clerk 135 

classification of clerks 89,150,15] 

expenses of assistant superintendents 139 

general superintendent 135, 144 

expenses , 88 

officers 134, 135 

pay of acting or substitute clerks 149 

salaries 145, 150, 15.1 

substitute for absent clerk 141 

taveling expenses of officers •__ 111,116 

Railway postal clerks — 

classification 89. 150, 151 

free transportation . 125 

promotion 151 

receive and deliver packages of newspapers 30 

salaries 1 89, 150. 151 

Railway post-office cars, additional pay 61 

Railway post-office lines, additional pay : 149 

Raters of third and fourth class mail, etc., salaries at first-class post- 
offices _.. •_ 108 

Rates — 

for advertising 80 

for carrying mail fixed by Congress 44 

for transporting mail by other means than railroads __- 44 

of additional pay for railway post-office lines: 1 149 

of compensation. Department employees, fixed by appropriations 90 

electric or cable-car service 150 

transportation on Pacific railroads 9 

on railroad routes 148 

to land-grant roads 71 

to railroads, readjusted 01 

of exchange, foreign money-order 40 

of Government telegrams, fixed by Postmaster-General 60 

of interest recovered on balances due Post-Office Department 4 

of pay, railway post-office ears 61 

temporary employees in postal service 149 

temporary mail service 90 

Rates of postage — 

between the United States and foreign countries 19 

charged on inclosed matter 82 

drop letters 32 

first-class matter 98 

fourth-class matter 84 

mail matter not properly wrapped.-. 21 

• newspapers 32,76 

postal cards . 33, 82 

printed matter 1 1 77 

second-class matter 85,96,97 

seeds, bulbs, plants, etc 104 

third-class matter 32, 83 

to foreign countries not in Postal Union 32 

Rates on postal cards in foreign mails 87 

Rating postage on packages, etc _. 29, 84 

Reading matter for the blind 141 

Readjustment, compensation to railroads 61, 70 

Readjustment, postmasters' salaries, effective when 95 

Readvertisement of mail routes 72 

Reasons to accompany estimates for new items 8 

Receipts — 

at post-offices, postmasters accountable 52 

for amount greater than paid, penalty for filing 7 

for postal revenues deposited 117 

for registered matter, as evidence 35 

given by addressee . 35 



229 

Page. 
Receipts — Continued. 

from postmaster for copyright articles mailed 15 

of mail by postal employees 41 

of postal service. Auditor's statement 66 

reported to Congress 146 

penalty for filing false 7 

postmasters to keep records 26 

Receiving — 

articles stolen from the mails, penalty 57 

boxes, expenses, reported separately 29 

compensation for services in United States matters by officer 10 

contributions, forbidden, wben 91 

fee. member of Congress, for services on pending matter, penalty 9 

stolen United States property, penalty 67 

unlawful postage, penalty 31 

Reclamation of proceeds of dead letters 37 

Recommendations to Congress, compensation to railroads 82 

Record and report of Department property 19 

Record clerks, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Record of bids — 

for carrying the mail ' 37 

kept by purchasing agent 140 

made 12 

Records — 

of post-offices, examined by inspector 26 

receipts and disbursements of money and supplies 26 

proposals, kept in Post-Office Department 130 

pure-basing agent, open for inspection 140 

special-delivery mail, kept 98. 138 

valuable inclosures in dead letters 37 

Recovery — 

of additional cost on failure of bidder or contractor, carrying mail 72 

of fraudulent payments 54 

of interest in suits for balances due 4 

of penalties and forfeitures 54 

Redemption division, chief 134 

Redemption of United States currency, registration free 36 

Reduction — ■ 

of clerks by Post-Office Department +. 147 

of compensation to railroads carrying mail 70. 80, 88. 96 

of postage rates between the United States and foreign countries 19 

Reexamination — 

of postal accounts directed by Secretary of Treasury 122 

of rejected claims 97 

Refund, overcharges on mail matter 141 

Refusal of contractor to carry mail, penalty 75 

Refusal of telegraph company to comply with law 60 

Refusal— 

to account for postage stamps, etc., penalty 53 

to execute contract for carrying mail, penalty 73,75 

to transport mail at ferry, penalty 44 

Refused periodicals, publishers notified 30 

Registered letters — 

addressed to lottery, etc., disposition- 112 

postal accounts to sbow revenue received 51 

to lotteries, returned to sender marked "fraudulent" 35 

Registered lottery letters, postmaster forbidden to open 35 

Registered mail 35 

addressee to give receipt . 35 

amount of indemnity for lost 138 

fees "____. 35 

indemnity for loss 126 

Lost, postal revenues not liable 34 

Registered official matter, free ' 96 

Registered package envelopes, contracts signed by whom 77 

Registers, arrival and departure of mails 26,130 



230 

Page. 

Registration free — 

Census mail matter 132 

official matter 96 

United States currency for redemption 36 

Registration of mail matter 35 

Registry clerks, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices 109 

Registry system — 

establishment 34 

expenses of assistant superintendents 135 

salaries of superintendents, etc., at first-class post-offices 107 

superintendent 134 

Regular leave of employee not affected by sick leave 131 

Regularity of issue, second-class matter 83 

Regulations — 

affecting postal accounts, certified to Auditor 20 

disposal of unclaimed printed matter 54 

employment and payment of substitute clerk or carrier 141 

foreign money-order exchange 49 

free mailing of Congressional Record 67 

of seeds, etc 67 

international money-order service 105 

per diem of post-office inspectors in the field 136, 147 

postal cards 33 

prescribed by Postmaster-General 75 

return of lottery money-order remittance 112 

special-delivery service 99 

undelivered letters returned to Dead-Letter Office 36 

use of ordinary stamps in special delivery 149 

Rejected claims, not reexamined or paid 97 

Rejected proposals for carrying mail, when 130 

Rejection of proposals 120 

Release — 

from suretyship and approval of new bond 142 

claim by United States, when 21 

of existing surety on mail contracts 38 

of judgment debtors, no bar to subsequent execution 21 

of sureties, and renewal o%postmasters' bonds 142 

contract, carrying mail 86 

of postmasters 25 

Remission, penalty, etc., when 21 

Remittances — 

by money order to lotteries, etc.. returned, when _ 112 

monev-order funds 62 

of funds, credit for lost 103 

Remitters — 

of lost money orders, secure duplicates 50 

of money orders, repayment 50 

of money orders to lotteries, etc., amount returned 112 

repayment of money orders to lotteries, etc 50 

Removal — 

of Assistant Postmasters-General 76 

of canceling marks from stamps, penalty 1 34,85 

of criminal cases 4 

of postmasters 68, 71 

bond delivered to Auditor 24 

of Postmaster-General 18 

of property, cause for issuance of attachment 11 

of stamps from mail matter by postal employees 34 

Rendering accounts of public money, penalty for failure 16 

Rendering services in United States matters, penalty for officer receiving 

compensation 10 

Rendition of returns of accounts, enforced by Postmaster-General 76 



231 

Page. 
Renewal — 

of details of clerks 125 

of official bonds 124 

of postmasters' bonds 25,142 

Rent — 

allowances at third-class post-offices 140 

at third-class post-offices, limitation 127 

light and fuel for post-offices, included in annual estimates 28 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

of lock boxes erected by patrons 53 

of post-office boxes 31 

of post-office buildings, under lease 97 

Repaid money orders, advices to be attached to accounts 119 

Repayment to remitters, money orders to lotteries, etc 50 

Replacing lost money orders 50 

Reports — 

agricultural experiment stations, mailed free 100 

annual, printing of 123 

arrival and departure of mails, how made 26 

Auditor's disbursements by postmasters. 17 

carriers' expenses, etc., separate 29 

changes in postal-car service 81 

delinquent contractors, etc., by postmaster 27 

of Agricultural Department, mailed free 67 

of Auditor to Postmaster-General 66 

of certain agricultural colleges, transmitted free 9 

of condition of business in department 129 

of contingent fund 5 

of Department property 19 

of depositaries to Post-Office Department 6 

of deposits quarterly, postmaster to Postmaster-General 60 

of failure to deface stamps 34 

of mail contracts, not to be printed, unless 123 

of money-order business 51 

of proceedings in postal suits 23 

of unmailable matter 84 

on officers in arrears 4 

Postmaster-General to Congress , 21 

quarterly to President by heads of Departments 129 

restriction on illustration 141 

sale of useless property 19 

to Congress, allotments of appropriations waived 142 

claims for losses 103,126 

contracts for carrying foreign mails 22 

curtailments of expenses 22 

efficiency of employees 111 

expenditures from contingent fund 22 

extra allowances to contractors, carrying the mail 22 

finances of Department _, 22 

finances of postal service 127 

financial condition of Department 71 

fines and deductions from mail contractors 22 

mail routes established 40 

not printed, when 123 

postal business in foreign countries 22 

postal expenditures ' 127 

printed 22, 127 

proceeds from sales of useless papers 106 

revenues and expenditures for current and ensuing fiscal years__ 146 

useless papers 106 

when made 62 

to Postmaster-General, postmasters' deficiencies 81 

Representatives not to receive compensation for services in United 

States matters 10 



232 

Page. 

Requirements — ■ 

for -deposit of public moneys, penalty for failure to follow—; 8 

for transmission of books for blind 141 

of bond of clerks in post-offices 130 

of mail transportation on land-grant railroads 9 

Requiring employee to receipt for sum greater than paid, penalty 7 

Requisitions — 

for printing and binding 16 

for printing books by heads of Departments 141 

special, for printing i 123 

Residence — 

of postal clerks 123 

of postmaster within delivery of office 24 

Resident mail agencies, Panama and other foreign countries 47 

Resignation — 

of postmaster, bond delivered to Auditor 24 

of Postmaster-General, duties performed by whom 13 

Responsibility — 

of bondsmen 142 

of guarantors of bidder for carrying mail 72 

of postmaster, special delivery 98 

of sureties of postmasters 25 

postmasters' salaries to be full compensation for 118 

Restoration of clerk or carrier to former grade 147 

Restrictions — 

on illustration, etc., in public printing '. : 141 

oh portrait on postal currency 11 

on printing books by Departments 141, 142 

on printing on envelopes furnished by Departments 123 

regarding franked matter 145 

Retaliatory postage on certain foreign matter, when imposed 40 

Retarding the passage of the mails, penalty 44 

Return — 

of mail matter, directions 102 

of mail matter to sender, addressed to lottery, etc., when 112 

of matter seized or detained for violations 31 

of money-order remittances to lotteries, etc., when 112 

of part-paid official matter 90 

penalty envelopes, used when 97 

postal cards 80 

registry receipt 35 

request letters, not advertised 37 

request on stamped envelopes 33 

to Dead Letter Office, of undelivered mail 30 

to sender, registered lottery letters, marked " fraudulent " 35 

to writers, undelivered letters 30 

Returned mail matter, prepayment of postage 130 

Returns — 

^of accounts, enforced by Postmaster-General 70 

of marshal to Auditor, of proceedings on execution 4 

of postmasters, false, penalty 79 

delinquencies reported 60 

Revenues — 

accounts of postal service to show sources 51 

postal, penalty for failure to deposit 53 

reported to Congress by Postmaster-General 140 

Revision — 

of Auditor's certificates of balances 122 

of classification of postal employees 90 

of postal accounts after payment, forbidden . 122 

of printed proof sheets of postal conventions at Post-Office Department- 13, 19 

Revocation of contracts, carrying mail through foreign countries i__ 45 

Reward to postal employees forbidden 31 

Right of action for breach of contract, reserved to United States 9 

Risk of postmaster — 

deposits in national banks : 00 

salaries, full compensation *. 118 



233 

Page. 

Roads, land-grant, to carry mail, compensation 44 

Roads to court-houses, etc.. post-roads t 39 

Robbery of mail — 

accessory, penalty 60 

penalty 58 

penalty for attempt 58 

Roots, seeds, plants, etc., rate of postage 104 

Rosters of clerks, submitted to Postmaster-General 109 

Route agent — 

embezzlement of mail matter, penalty 30 

on cars 61 

receipt and deposit of mail 41 

Routes, railroad, to be classified 44 

Royalty- 
double postal cards, forbidden 86 

on letter-sheet envelopes, forbidden 86 

Rules- 
governing per diem of inspectors " 147 

international money-order service 105 

use of postal cards 33 

Rural agents made inspectors 144 

Rural carriers — 

annual leave of absence 147 

carry merchandise for hire 140 

leave of absence with pay 146 

not to solicit business 140 

salary 110,147 

Rural communities,, experimental free delivery 117 

Rural delivery division, superintendents made inspectors 144 

Rural delivery service — 

acting or substitute carriers, pay 149 

annual leave of carriers • 146. 147 

classification ___■ 137 

pay of acting or substitute carriers '. . 149 

pay of carriers on vacation 146 

salaries 147 

substitutes for carriers on leave, pay 146. 147 

Rural free delivery- experimental 117 

Rural postal stations, provision for 138 

S. 

Safe-keeping of public money 1 27 

Sailors' letters forwarded without postage prepaid 32.36,82 

Sailors — 

not dismissed from postal service, when 75 

preferred for appointment, when 11 

Salaries and Allowances, superintendent 134 

Salaries — 

Assistant Postmasters-General 76 

assistant superintendents, Railway Mail Service 128,135 

at post-offices, deducted from postal receipts 27 

chief clerks in charge of lines, Railway Mail Service 135 

clerks in first-class post-offices 106 

in second-class post-offices 108 

division superintendents, Railway Mail Service 135 

employees not efficient 111 

employees of Post-Office Department 18 

employees, Railway Mail Service 145 

fourth-class postmasters 94 

letter carriers 100 

mail agents on ocean steamers 48 

no person to receive double 7 

not to be paid until after oath of office taken 62 

officers in arrears 4 

postal clerks 48, 150, 151 



234 

Page. 
Salaries — Continued. 

postmasters 92 

increase 28 

full compensation 118 

post-office inspectors 137, 150 

railway postal clerks 89 

rural carriers 147 

Salary and Allowance Division, expenses of assistant superintendents 135 

Salary — 

Assistant Attorney-General 18 

Assistant general superintendent, Railway Mail Service 135 

chief clerk, Railway Mail Service 135 

extra, forbidden 63 

General superintendent, Railway Mail Service 135 

Government employees 146 

Postmaster-General 18 

Postmaster, New York, N. Y GQ 

Sale— 

of postage stamps and stamped envelopes 33 

of post route maps 133 

of stamps, stamped envelopes, etc., for cash only 80 

of stamps with canceling marks removed, penalty 85 

of useless Department property 19 

of useless papers 106 

Sample copies, second-class matter ., 97 

" Sample copy," permissible on second-class matter 101 

San Francisco, advertisement, ocean mail service .113 

Savannah, advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

" Sawdust swindle" 109 

Scales, contracts signed bj T whom 77 

Schedules — 

of arrival and departure of mails 26 

of proposals 120 

penalty for railroad failing to comply 145 

Schemes to defraud — 

delivery of mail forbidden, when 112 

nonmailable matter, penalty 70 

payment of money orders forbidden, when 112 

penalty 59, 60, 109 

registered mail returned to sender . 35 

Scientific societies' publications, second-class matter 121 

Scions, seeds, plants, etc., rate of postage 104 

Scurrilous matter — 

not mailable, penalty 69,70,105 

penalty for mailing or taking from mails to circulate 105 

withdrawal from mails 105 

Seal- 
affixed to postmasters' commissions : 63 

of Post-Office Department 19 

Sealed matter not to be opened 105, 112 

Seals, contracts signed by whom 77 

Sea postal clerks, compensation and expenses 136 

Search for mailable matter on foreign vessels 46 

Search of vessels for letters, authorized when, etc 43 

Searches, officers authorized to make 48 

Second Assistant Postmaster-General — 

notify Auditor of mail contracts sublet 78 

office 134,143 

sign certain contracts 77 

when acting Postmaster-General 150 

Second-class mail privilege annulled 137 

Second-class matter — 

collection of postage . 129 

conditions for admission 83 

defined 68, 82 

entry by false evidence as to character 141 



235 

Page. 
Second-class matter — Continued. 

examined at mailing office 82 

false evidence as to character of publication 103 

foreign publications 83 

improper additions 102 

periodicals of State departments of agriculture 132 

permissible additions 101 

postage 97 

prepaid postage 96 

publications of fraternal societies, etc 120 

of scientific societies, etc 121 

rates of postage 85 

on transient 96 

supplements 83 

Second-class postage accounted for 129 

Second-class postmasters, compensation 71,93 

Second-class post-offices — 

classification and salaries of clerks 108 

clerk hire, money-order, business 118 

clerks promoted 109 

Second-class vessels, ocean mail service 114 

Secretaries to postmasters, salaries at first-class offices 106 

Secretary of Agriculture, mail free reports, seeds, etc 67 

Secretary of State — 

furnished copy of postal conventions 13,19 

to furnish Public Printer correct copy of postal conventions 13 

Secretary of Treasury- — 

annual estimates furnished to 133 

designate time of opening proposals 120 

direct revision of Auditor's certificates of postal balances 122 

include annual estimates of Post-Office Department in regular printed 

estimates 22 

Secreting mail matter, by postal employees, penalty 30. 31 

Securing entry as second-class publications by false evidence 141 

Securities of United States, penalty for placing advertisements on 12 

Security — 

altering, forging, etc.. to defraud United States, penalty 59 

of letter mail endangered, remedy 65 

of United States, advertisement in likeness of 12 

on bonds of disbursing officers 8 

on postmasters' bonds ., 24 

Seeds, etc. — 

mailed free, by whom 67 

postage 104 

Seized matter returned to owner or sender 31 

Seized packages containing letters, forfeited to United States 43 

Seizures — _ 

for violating postal laws, protection to officers 43 

of illegally carried mail matter 43 

of mail matter on vessels by inspectors or special agents 43 

Selling counterfeit stamps, etc., penalty 55 

Senators not to receive compensation for services rendered in United 

States matters 10 

Sender notified of nondelivery of mail matter 131 

Sending obscene matter by common carrier 126 

Sentence in prosecutions, fraudulent schemes, etc 110 

Separate accounts of postal funds, kept by depositaries 6 

Separate items in postal accounts, suspended 122 

Separate money-order accounts kept by Auditor 17 

Separating offices, allowances for clerk hire 68 

Separators, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices 109 

Service — 

in Department, number of hours required 129 

on mail route under contract, extended 89 



236 

Service — Continued. Page. 

on post-routes, discontinued 40 

required before leave of absence to clerks in post-offices 113 

voluntary, forbidden 95 

Services — 

except personal, advertising for contracts 63 

in United States matters, penalty for officer receiving compensation 

for . . 10 

not performed, payments recovered 51 

of mail agents in foreign ports, paid 47 

Set-off in settlement of claims against United States 68 

Settled accounts of late postmasters, no demand to be made 14 

Settlement of accounts — 

and claims 3 

by Auditor, appeal 16 

in Court of Claims 100 

oaths, administered to witnesses 17 

Settlement of expenses for Post-Office Department 76 

Settlement of postal accounts by Auditor 65 

Settlement with mail contractors by Auditor 78 

Shanghai, China, postal agency and branches 48 

Share of claim to officer for assistance rendered, forbidden 7 

Ship letters — - 

compensation for carriage 41 

postage double ■ 32 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Shooting mail carrier's horse, penalty ,. 58 

Sick leave — 

not to affect regular leave of employees 131 

of clerks ■__ 128 

Sickness — 

of Postmaster-General, duties performed by whom 13 

of postmaster, performance of duties 49 

Signatures — 

of guarantors, genuine, on bid for carrying the mail 72 

on money-orders, forging, etc., penalty 54, 55, 103 

Signing — 

contracts, by whom 77 

warrants, by clerks designated by Postmaster-General 147 

Size of steamers, ocean mail service • 113 

Soldiers and sailors — 

not dismissed, when , 75 

preferred for appointment, when 11 

Soldiers' letters transmitted unpaid 32, 36, 82 

Soliciting — 

business by rural carriers, prohibited 140 

contributions, forbidden, when '_ 91 

for gift to superior, forbidden 15 

Solicitor of Treasury to order suit on bond of officers in arrears 4 

Sources — 

of estimates to be specified 5 

revenue, postal accounts to show 51 

Special agents — 

designation changed 87 

for Pacific coast 47 

give bonds, when 8 

of Post-Office Department authorized to search vessels, when 43 

Special delivery — 

at other than free-delivery offices 138 

business, compensation fixed by Postmaster-General, when__ 99 

false returns, penalty 99 

contracts made, when 1 99 

letters, omission of postage not to delay transmission 105 

matter, contracts for delivery___ 99 

limit of delivery 98 

postmaster responsible for immediate delivery 98 



237 



Special delivery — Continued. Page. 
matter, contracts for delivery — continued. 

record of articles received 98 

use of ordinary stamps 149 

messengers at free-delivery offices 99 

compensation limited . 98 

deemed carriers 138 

of mail matter 98 

service, regulations 99 

stamps authorized 98 

Special forms for money orders 50 

Special requisitions for printing 123 

Special transfer service. East St. Louis, 111., and St. Louis, Mo 131 

Speed, conveyance of mails 61 

Speedy execution of judgment in postal suits 23 

Spurious coin schemes 109 

"Spurious Treasury notes" 109 

St. Louis, Mo. — 

advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

special transfer service 131 

St. Thomas, mail agency 47 

Stamp clerks — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

at second-class post-offices ?. 109 

Stamp division. Superintendent . 131 

Stamped envelope paper, penalty for making 55 

Stamped envelopes — 

claims of postmasters for loss 102 

contracts : 03 

signed by whom 77 

counterfeits " 33 

deliverery by contractor 120 

engraving thereon forbidden : 33 

failure to account for, penalty 53 

for all Departments, contracts 123 

furnished postmasters by whom 33 

improvements 33 

inclosing letters carried outside of mail 43 

lithographing forbidden : 33 

not to contain printing 33 

penalty for counterfeiting stamp 55 

postal employees using previously used, penalty : 34 

previously. used, penalty for using 34 

provided by Postmaster-General 33 

sold at cost : 33,71 

for cash only 80 

stamps to be defaced 33 

to be sold at all post-offices 33 

watermarks 33 

withdrawal from mails during weighing period ~ 145 

Stamped paper, delivery bj contractor 120 

Stampers, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

at second-class post-offices 109 

Stamps — 

for postage due 85 

furnished postmasters by whom 33 

impressed on newspaper envelopes 33 

improvements, adopted by whom ._-._ 33 

postage, to be defaced 33 

postmasters held accountable for 33 

to keep records of 20 

prepared by Postmaster-General 33 

removed from mail matter by postal employees, penalty 34 

removing canceling marks, penalty 85 

required for special delivery of mail . 149 



238 

Page. 
Stamps — Continued. 

sold at face value only 80 

at all. post-offices 33 

unlawful use, penalty 85 

used in payment of debts, penalty 80 

Standard of efficiency, report to Congress 111 

State courts try postal suits and prosecutions 24 

State departments of agriculture, periodicals of, second-class matter___'__ 132 

State officers, proceedings before, in cases of crime against United States- 4 
Statements — 

of expenditures from contingent fund 5 

of postal receipts and expenditures, Auditor to transmit quarterly to 

Secretary of Treasury 65 

unpaid money orders one year old 118 

sworn, accompanying postmasters' quarterly accounts 26 

Stating accounts, manner prescribed by Postmaster-General 76 

Stating postal accounts, form reported by Auditor 66 

Stationery — 

contracts not to exceed one year 12 

signed by whom 77 

included in annual estimates ; 23 

postal accounts to sbow expenditures 52 

Stations — 

establishment, limitations 125 

salaries of superintendents, etc., at first-class post-offices 108 

Stations of post-offices, issue of money orders 49 

Stealing — - 

mail, penalty 56 

accessory to 4 

mail bags, etc., penalty : 58 

mail keys, etc., penalty 58 

newspapers, postal employees 57 

United States property 67 

Steamboats — 

carrying mail 40 

letters on, delivery_____ 40 

Steamships — 

contracts for carrying mail 40 

foreign mails transported 45 

Stenographers, salaries at first-class post-offices 106 

Stock, additional, employed in expediting the mail 38 

Stock clerks, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Stolen property recovered, delivery to owner , 54 

Stolen United States property, penalty for receiving, etc 67 

Stores to be searched, when, by whom 48 

Street letter boxes — 

contracts signed by whom 77 

established _ . 28 

Subcontract, carrying mail, copy filed 78 

Subcontractors — 

carrying mail 88 

paid by Auditor 78 

liens upon pay 88 

Subletting of mail contracts — 

for less than contract price 88 

when authorized : .-__ 78 

Submitting false evidence to secure entry as second-class 103 

Subordinates not to make presents to superiors 15 

Substations, rural-delivery service 138 

Substitute carriers — 

employed at expense of regular rural carriers 137 

on rural-delivery routes 137 

Substitute clerk or carrier, employment and payment 141 

Substitutes — 

for absent clerks or carriers . 148 

for rural carriers on leave 146, 147 



239 

Page. 

Substitute letter carriers — 

appointment 89 

city-delivery service 96 

compensation 89 

Subpoena for witnesses in claims against United States 16 

Subsidy, additional, forbidden, ocean mail service 115 

Successor of postmasters, appointment 25 

Sufficiency of sureties, penalty for false certificate 64 

Suits against — 

contractor or officer for delinquency, claims allowed in 4 

delinquents, papers furnished Department of Justice 17 

postmasters, limitations 25 

Suits— 

for balances due to Post-Office Department, interest recovered 4 

from postmasters, evidence _ 14 

for delinquencies of postmasters or contractors, certified copies of 

accounts as evidence 14 

for money due Department, under direction of Department of Justice- 17 

returns of marshals to Auditor 4 

for recovery of excess or fraudulent payments 54 

Suits — 

on bond of officers in arrears 4 

on judgment for amount due on accounts 101 

on official bonds, limit of liability of sureties 104 

Suits under postal laws — 

in name of United States 23 

jurisdiction of circuit courts 6 

district courts 6 

tried in State courts 24 

Sums advanced to inspectors and others 53 

Sundays — 

not counted in leave of absence of- clerks, etc 131 

not included in leave of absence of clerks in post-offices 148 

Superintendent — 

Division of city delivery 143 

foreign mails 143 

railway adjustment 143 

salaries and allowances 143 

of buildings, Post-Office Department 133 

of free delivery, designation and salary 60 

of money-order system, to issue money orders, when 331 

postal finance, bond 133 

Superintendents — 

assistant free delivery, per diem 331 

as special agents (inspectors) 47 

of delivery, salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

of divisions, rural delivery, made inspectors 144 

of mails, salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

money-order division, salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

of registry, salaries at first-class post-offices 107 

of stations, salaries at first-class post-offices 308 

Railway Mail Service, salaries 145 

Supervision of Department and postal service 76 

Supplements, second-class matter- 83 

Supplies — 

advertisement and proposals 120 

advertising for 63 

contracts not to exceed one year 12 

delivery by contractors 120 

free-delivery service contracts 109 

postmasters to keep records 26 

Superintendent of , 134 

withdrawal from mails 145 

Supply clerks, salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Supplying mail at county seats 39 

Supreme court, appeal to, in action for settlement of accounts 101 



240 

Page. 
Sureties — 

bond of bidder for carrying mail 64 

insufficient, penalty for unlawful approval of bidder's bond 64 

liable for subletting mail contract 78 

liability on failure of postmaster to render quarterly report 27 

on official bonds 124 

limit of liability 104 

not liable for postmasters' debts, when 25 

notified of postmaster's deficiencies 81 

of defaulting officer, when attachment may issue against__ 10 

of postmaster, accountable for money-order funds • 40 

on bond of bidder for carrying mail, justification 73 

of officers in arrears 4 

on mail contracts, release, etc 38,86 

on postmasters' bonds, liability 25 

release 142 

penalty for false certificate 64 

release, contract for carrying mail : 86 

from postmasters' bonds 25 

Suretyship, release from 142 

Surplus fund, unexpended balances carried to 15 

Surplus money-order funds, remittances 62 

Surplus revenues and other money deposits by postmasters 27 

Suspension — 

of second-class mail privileges 137 

of separate items in postal accounts _ 122 

Sworn accounts of postmasters 26 

Sworn statements — 

accompanying postmasters' quarterly accounts 26, 70 

of advertising rates 80 

System — 

of exchange, international money-order service- 40, 105 

of registration, establishment 34 

T. 

Tacoma. advertisement, ocean mail service 113 

Taking fraudulent matter from the mails, penalty 60 

Taking from post-office letters bearing fictitious addresses in unlawful 

business 110 

Tearing mail bags, etc.. penalty 58 

Telegrams, Government business, priority on certain lines 60 

Telegraph companies to file written acceptance with Postmaster-General__ 12 

Telegraph rates, fixed by Postmaster-General 60 

Temporary contracts for carrying mail, when made, limit 74 

Temporary employees, compensation , 149 

Temporary mails to offices not on established routes 40 

Tempora ry service — 

carrying mail 116 

cost charged to contractor 90 

failure of contractor ^ 90 

letter carriers, clerks, etc 149 

Termination of contract, carrying foreign mails 45 

Termination of post-office leases ,. 97 

Term of office — 

Assistant Postmasters-General 76 

Postmaster-General 1 18 

Terminus, mail route, change 40 

Third Assistant Postmaster-General, acting Postmaster-General, when 150 

Third Assistant Postmaster-General, chief clerk 144 

Third Assistant Postmaster-General, office 134, 144 

Third Assistant Postmaster-General, sign certain contracts 77 

Third-class matter — 

defined 68, 69, 83 

improper additions 102 

letters in point print or raised characters used by blind 132 



241 

Page. 
Third-class matter — Continued. 

permissible additions 102 

prepayment of postage 76 

rate of postage 32 

Third-class postmasters, compensation 71. 93 

Third-class post-offices — 

allowances, clerk hire 68 

rent, light, and fuel 149 

Third-class vessels, ocean mail service 114 

Threatening mail carrier, penalty 58 

Threatening matter, nonmailable and withdrawn from mails 105 

Time for closing mails 26 

Time of depositaries' reports of postal funds, prescribed by Postmaster- 
General 6 

Time of opening proposals, designated by Secretary of Treasury 120 

Time on duty required of auxiliary employees in post-offices 148 

Timekeepers, etc.. salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Title, assumed, etc.. unlawful business 110 

Topographer, salary, etc 18,133,144 

Trades union publications, second-class matter 121 

Trains to carry mails 82 

Transcript money -order account books, evidence on trial for embezzle- 
ment 61 

Transfer — 

clerks and carriers 148 

contract, causes its annulment 9 

funds to disbursing officer 75 

mail contracts, authorized when 78 

by contractor, prohibited 39 

money-order funds , 50 

money orders . 65 

order under contract, cause its annulment 9 

postal clerks, preference 145 

postal funds by Postmaster-General, when 23 

public money ordered by Postmaster-General 27 

public moneys, penalty for improper .11 

Transferring foreign mail, expenses at New York 127 

Transfer service at St. Louis, Mo., and East St. Louis, 111 :___.._ 131 

Transfers by warrant from postal revenues to money-order account .51 

Transient copies. Congressional Record, postage __ .65 

Transmission — 

books for blind, requirements 141 

foreign publications 83 

letters by private express forbidden 42 

letters in stamped envelopes outside the mail 43 

letters, relating to cargo 42 

letters without compensation 43 

mail matter, directions for 102 

official mail, free of postage 77 

postal cards, rate, etc 33,82 

postal .supplies by freight or express 145 

special-delivery letters, not delayed by omission of postage 105 

unpaid letters, of soldiers, etc 82 

Transmitted free, census mail matter _ 132 

Transmitting forged, etc., bonds, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

Transportation free for railway postal clerks , 125, 127 

Transportation of domestic mails through foreign countries 44 

Transportation, official matter by express, except llti 

Transportation of foreign mail 45 

compensation 45 

discontinuance of contracts 45 

through United States, privilege withdrawn 46 

Transportation of mails — 

accounts audited '. 121 

compensation to land-grant roads 71 

compensation to railroads readjusted 61 

reduced 70, 80 

6300—07- — 16 



242 

Page. 
Transportation of mails — Continued. 

contracts, signed by whom, etc 77, 116 

cost ascertained 82 

electric and cable cars, compensation 127,150 

included in annual estimates 23 

mail agents in foreign ports, paid from appropriation 47 

mail agents on ocean steamers, paid from appropriation 48 

on any train 44 

on fastest trains 96 

on Pacific railroads, compensation 9 

other means than railroads 44 

to and from post-offices, contracts 40 

to foreign countries, rate of postage 32 

transfer of contract prohibited 39 

penalty for failure to execute contract '. 73 

persons employed, exempted from militia duty 3 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

postal clerks paid from appropriation 48 

proceedings on failure of bidder or contractor 72 

railroad routes, adjustment 148 

Transportation of persons unlawfully conveying mail forbidden 41 

Transportation of postal clerk, ocean mail service 115 

Transportation of publications as second class, admitted on false evidence 141 

Transportation of sea postal clerks 136 

Transportation through United States of mails of adjoining countries-: 45 

Transporting mails between United States and foreign countries 45 

Traveling expenses- 
assistant superintendent. Railway Mail Service 128 

General Superintendent, Railway Mail Service 88 

officers of Railway Mail Service 111 

postal clerks and others 116 

post-office inspectors 87, 146 

special agents 47 

Treasurer of United States, disbursing officers to deposit funds with 75 

Treasury Department to settle claims and accounts of the United States-- 3 

Treatment of fictitious matter ^ 110 

Treatment of foreign dead mail matter 20 

Treatment of unmailable matter at office of address 84 

Treatment on arrival of mail carried on foreign vessels 47 

Trial of accessory, embezzlement of United States property 67 

True date affixed to all papers, etc 20 

Trusts or fraudulent conveyances set aside, when 17 

Twine, postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Two offices, holding, forbidden, except 121 

U. 

Unauthorized bank, deposit of public money by postmasters, forbidden 27 

Unauthorized deposit of public moneys, penalty for making or receiving 6, 11 

Unavailable appropriations, claims, considered 79 

Unclaimed money in dead letters, disposition 52 

Unclaimed printed matter in post-offices, regulations for disposal 54 

Undelivered letters, detention and return to Dead Letter Office 36 

Undelivered mail matter '. 139 

Underpaid official matter, delivered free, except 96 

Unexpended balances of appropriations, carried to surplus fund 15, 63 

Uniform canceling ink , 80 

Uniforms — 

letter carriers 28 

postal clerks 81 

United States — 

annual contract, if assigned 9 

contracts for carrying mail in name of 37 

currency for redemption, registered free 36 

pay costs of proceedings in State courts for crimes against the United 

States . 4 

right of action for breach of contract 9 

suits under postal laws, brought in name of 23 



243 

Page. 

"United States goods" 109 

" United States mail," printed on vessels, vehicles, etc 41 

United States officers, false personation 95 

United States marshal, reports in postal suits 23 

Unlawful approval, by postmaster, of bond or certificate of bidder for 

carrying mail 64 

Unlawful business, use of fictitious names 110 

Unlawful deposits, acceptance by banks 11 

Unlawful detention of mail by postmasters, penalty 30 

Unlawful inclosures of higher class in lower class 102 

Unlawful increase in weight of mail 130 

Unlawful issue of money orders 103 

Unlawful possession of embezzled property, penalty 67 

Unlawful possession of mail lock or key, penalty 59 

Unlawful postage, receipt forbidden ' 31 

Unlawful publication that vessel is used in transporting mail, penalty 41 

Unlawful removal of stamps from mail matter by postal employees, 

penalty 34 

Unlawful use of franking privilege 77 

Unlawful use of penalty envelopes 78 

Unlawful use of " U. S. Mail " on vehicles, etc 41 

Unmailable matter — 

delivery 84 

held for instructions 84 

lottery, gift concert, etc 11] 

Unpaid letters sent to Dead Letter Office ■ 36 

Unpaid money orders — 

money represented, disposition 118 

monthly statements 118 

Unpaid portion of judgments due Post-Office Department, compromise 17 

Unpaid postage on foreign mails, collection 32 

Unsatisfactory service of carrier or clerk 148 

Unsettled accounts, suits in Court of Claims 101 

Unusual business in post-offices, clerk hire 28 

Use of fictitious names, unlawful business : 110 

Use of official or penalty envelopes 77 

Use of official seal 19 

Use of ordinary stamps for special delivery mail_ 149 

Use of postage stamps previously used, penalty__l 34 

Use of private express for carrying mail matter forbidden 41 

Use of public moneys, penalty for improper 11, 27 

Use of registry receipt as evidence 35 

Useless department property, sale 19 

Useless papers, report to Congress 106 

Using forged, etc., foreign postage stamps, penalty 55 

Using forged stamps, etc., penalty < 55 

Using public moneys, penalty _ '. 6 

Uttering forged bonds, etc., to defraud United States, penalty 59 

Uttering forged foreign postage stamps, penalty 55 

Uttering forged or altered money order 103 

V. 

Vacancy in office of postmaster 25 

Vacation with pay — 

postal clerks 136 

rural letter carriers 146 

Validity of claims under exhausted appropriations 79 

Validity of money orders 50, 119 

Valuable articles stolen from mails, penalty for receiving 57 

Valuable contents, dead letters, disposal 37 

Valuable inclosures in dead letters, disposition 36 

Valuable inclosures, penalty for embzzlement by postal employees of 

mail containing 56 

Value of old files 106,143 

Variations in annual estimates to be explained 8 

Vehicles to be searched, when, by whom 48 

Vehicles transporting mail, display of weather signals 124 



244 

Page. 

Venue, prosecutions for mailing lottery matter 111 

Vessels carrying mail 40' 

Vessels for ocean mail service/requirements 114 

Vessels not to make entry until letters are delivered at post-office 42 

Vessels searched by Inspectors or special agents 43 

Vessels to carry mail received from post-office only 42 

Violations, postal laws — 

disposition of fines, penalties, etc 54 

prosecutions in State courts 24 

Violent entry of railway post-office punishable 138 

Void contract, carrying mail 88 

Voluntary service not accepted, unless- 95,142 

Volunteers on mail vessels, ocean mail service : 115 

Vouchers- 
credits claimed in suits against delinquent officers 4 

duplicate receipt for deposit of postal revenues 117 

expenditures by postmasters, submitted to Auditor 28 

penalty for filing false 7 

with postal accounts. Auditor to receive 65 

W. 

Waiver of identification on money orders forbidden 181 

Want of evidence, grounds for continuance in postal suit, when 4 

Warrant of attachment — 

application made, to whom and by whom 11 

when issued in postal suits ^ 10 

Warrants — 

bringing postal deposits into Treasury 20 

charging postmasters' payments- 20 

clerk authorized to sign ' 147 

countersigned, etc., by Auditor-: 60 

covering money into Treasury, Postmaster-General to issue 76 

officer designated to sign 110 

• payment of lost invalid money orders 110 

payment of postal balances, when issued 122 

payments on postal service account 24 

transfer of funds to disbursing officers 75 

transfer of postal revenues to money-order account 51 

used to pay invalid money orders 118 

Washington, D. C, salary of superintendent of registry 107 

Waste paper — 

certificates of oaths of mail carriers 130 

failure to deposit revenues from sale 53 

old files of useless papers _ 106 

old files in post-offices disposed of as 143 

old reports of arrival and departure of mails 130 

rejected proposals for carrying mail 130 

Waste paper and material, receipts from sale deposited as part of postal 

revenues 52 

Waste-paper examiners, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Watchmen, etc. — 

salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

salaries at second-class post-offices *._ 109 

Watermarks on stamped envelopes.- 33 

Water routes, domestic, new and old service, contracts 79 

Waters of United States post routes : 39 

Wearing unlawfully, letter carriers' uniforms, penalty 28 

Weather signals displayed on vehicles, etc., carrying mail 124 

Weighers of second-class mail, etc., salaries at first-class post-offices 108 

Weighing mails, how and when 66 

Weighing mails on railroads, reports, how stated and verified 61 

Weighing period, penalty for padding mails 130 

Weighing season, withdrawal of supplies 145 

Weight and rate of postage on newspapers TO 

Weight limit on third-class mail matter 69 



245 

Page. 

Weight of mail matter, limit 125 

Weight of mails — 

stated to Postmaster-General G6 

unlawfully increased, penalty : 130 

Weight of packages, limit, exception 66 

Who may use official or penalty envelopes 77 

Widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors, not dismissed, when 75 

Withdrawal of postal cards during weighing season 145 

Withdrawal of proposals for carrying mail * 37 

Withholding of pay- 
mail contractors for failure 89 

railroads, when _ 62 

Witnesses in claims against the United States 16 

Witnesses in investigations, oaths _ 14 

Wrapping — 

mail matter 29 

newspapers for mailing 30 

packages 84 

Wrapping paper — 

contracts signed by whom 77 

included in annual estimates 23 

postal accounts to show expenditures 52 

Writers, undelivered letters returned to 36 

Writing, etc.. on newspapers, what permissible 69 

Writing inclosed in lower-class matter, penalty 30,102 

Writing on second-class matter, what permissible 101 

Writing on third-class matter 102 

Writing, what permissible, on fourth-class matter 102 

Written acceptance to be filed by telegraph companies 12 

Written addresses on postal cards 71 

Written authority for publishing proposals, etc 15 

Written list of nondelivered letters, posted in public view 35 

Written matter, first class 82 

Written order — 

expenditures from contingent fund : 6 

waiving allotments of appropriations 142 

Wrongful use of public money, penalty 81 

Wrong payments, suit for recovery 54 

Y. 

Yokohama, Japan, postal agency and branches 48 

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